Kyrgyz Bukhtarma
A hearty and flavorful stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots, often seasoned with local herbs. It's a comforting dish perfect for colder weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or beef(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 medium Large onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into thick rounds)
- 800 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 liter Water or broth
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: A cast-iron pot is ideal - 2
Brown the meat in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot, or the meat will steam instead of sear - 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
💡 Tip: Stir to combine with the onions and carrots - 6
Pour in enough water or broth to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering - 7
Add the potatoes to the pot. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
💡 Tip: Add more liquid if the stew becomes too dry - 8
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: A final taste and seasoning check is important - 9
Ladle the Bukhtarma into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- Include a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions for a deeper color and flavor.
- A pinch of cumin or coriander can add an aromatic twist.