RecipesGeorgiaKharcho (Spicy Beef Soup)

Kharcho (Spicy Beef Soup)

A rich and hearty Georgian soup made with tender beef, rice, walnuts, and a flavorful broth seasoned with tklapi (sour plum paste) and spices.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Kharcho (Spicy Beef Soup) - Georgia traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500 g Beef(stewing beef, cut into cubes)
  • 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
  • 100 g Rice(short-grain, rinsed)
  • 100 g Walnuts(finely ground)
  • 50 g Tklapi (sour plum paste)(or 2 tbsp tomato paste + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 bunch Cilantro(chopped)
  • 1/2 bunch Parsley(chopped)
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Coriander seeds(ground)
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes(or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1.5 l Water or beef broth
  • to taste Salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.

    ⏱️ 8-10 minutes
  2. 2

    Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until golden brown.

    ⏱️ 10-12 minutes
  3. 3

    Return the beef to the pot. Add water or broth, bay leaf, ground coriander, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beef is very tender.

    ⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes
  4. 4

    Add the rinsed rice and cook for about 10 minutes.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  5. 5

    Stir in the tklapi (or tomato paste/lemon juice mixture), ground walnuts, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the soup has thickened.

    ⏱️ 5-7 minutes
  6. 6

    Remove from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and parsley. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning and spice level as needed.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Tklapi can be found in specialty stores or online. If unavailable, the tomato paste and lemon juice combination is a good substitute.
  • Ensure the beef is very tender before adding the rice and other ingredients.
  • Kharcho is best served hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs.

🔄 Variations

  • Some recipes add a small amount of pomegranate seeds for garnish.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like carrots and celery.

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