Kazakh Zharkop
Zharkop is a hearty and flavorful meat stew, often prepared with lamb or beef, slow-cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. It's a comforting dish that showcases traditional Kazakh cooking methods, emphasizing tender meat and rich, savory broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Lamb shoulder or Beef chuck(cut into large cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 medium Large onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into thick rounds)
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 liter Beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the meat is dry helps with browning. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the seared meat to the pot. Add the carrots and pour in the beef broth or water. Add the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- 6
Add the potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
- 7
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 8
Ladle the Zharkop into bowls and garnish generously with fresh dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, ideally with fresh bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb instead of beef.
- ✓Don't rush the searing process; well-browned meat adds depth to the stew.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓This dish can be made a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- Include bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.