Khorkhog (Mongolian Hot Stone Stew)
Khorkhog is a unique and traditional Mongolian barbecue dish where meat (typically mutton or goat) and vegetables are cooked in a sealed container with the help of intensely heated river stones. This method imparts a distinct smoky flavor and ensures the meat is tender and succulent.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Lamb or Goat Meat(bone-in, cut into large chunks)
- 4 medium Potatoes(quartered)
- 3 medium Carrots(sliced thickly)
- 2 Onions(sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(whole or halved)
- 2 tbsp Salt(adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin(optional)
- 1 tsp Paprika(optional)
- 1 liter Water
- 10 pieces Smooth River Stones(fist-sized, thoroughly cleaned)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Select 10-15 smooth, fist-sized river stones. Clean them thoroughly and heat them over an open fire or in a grill for at least 1 hour until extremely hot. Handle with extreme caution.
💡 Tip: Ensure stones are free of dirt and debris. They should be very hot to cook the food effectively. - 2
Prepare the meat by cutting it into large, manageable chunks. Season the meat generously with salt and black pepper. If using, add cumin and paprika.
- 3
Prepare the vegetables by quartering potatoes, slicing carrots, slicing onions, and halving garlic cloves.
- 4
In a large, heavy-duty metal pot or traditional milk can, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of meat, followed by a few hot stones. Then add layers of potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ensuring hot stones are distributed throughout.
💡 Tip: Layering is key to even cooking. The stones transfer heat directly to the food. - 5
Pour approximately 1 liter of water into the pot. This will create steam during cooking.
- 6
Seal the pot tightly with a lid to trap heat and moisture. Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 hours. Occasionally shake the pot to ensure even cooking.
💡 Tip: Avoid opening the lid during cooking if possible. Listen for sounds and smell for aromas to gauge doneness. - 7
Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before opening. Serve the Khorkhog hot, with the meat and vegetables directly from the pot. The juices from the meat create a delicious broth.
💡 Tip: Traditionally, the hot stones are passed around for guests to hold and rub, believed to have healing properties.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Safety is paramount when handling hot stones.
- ✓Use a sturdy, heat-resistant pot or container.
- ✓The quality and heat of the stones significantly impact cooking time and flavor.
- ✓Traditionally eaten with hands, not cutlery.
🔄 Variations
- Experiment with different cuts of meat or types of game.
- Add other root vegetables or hardy greens.
- For a quicker version, some recipes suggest using a pressure cooker or oven, though this deviates from the traditional method.