Khorkhog-Inspired Goat Stew
A rustic and flavorful stew inspired by the traditional Khorkhog, this dish features tender goat meat slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and herbs. While not cooked with hot stones, it captures the essence of Mongolian slow-cooking, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Goat meat (shoulder or leg), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Yellow onions, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 3 medium Carrots, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium Turnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 cups Water or light broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the goat meat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the meat helps it to brown better. - 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the goat meat in batches until well-browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing is essential for developing rich flavor and color. - 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you sauté the onions. - 4
Return the seared goat meat to the pot. Add the carrots, turnips, potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
💡 Tip: Adding the vegetables in stages ensures they cook evenly. - 5
Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the meat and vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key to tenderizing tougher cuts of meat like goat. - 6
Check the stew periodically and add more liquid if it becomes too dry. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: The stew should be moist but not soupy. - 7
Once the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, remove the bay leaf.
💡 Tip: Ensure all vegetables are cooked through before serving. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This stew is often enjoyed with a side of flatbread or simple boiled potatoes.
💡 Tip: The natural juices from the stew make an excellent sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Goat meat can be tough, so a long, slow cooking time is crucial for tenderness.
- ✓If you can't find goat meat, lamb shoulder is a good substitute.
- ✓For an authentic touch, consider adding a few small, clean, heated stones to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking (as in traditional Khorkhog), though this is optional for this stew version.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for an umami boost.
- Incorporate other hardy vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga.
- A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor.