Shorpo-i Gushnodor (Noodle Soup with Meat)
A comforting and flavorful noodle soup with tender chunks of meat and vegetables, often considered a staple in Tajikistani homes. It's a hearty meal perfect for colder days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or Beef(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 liters Water or Broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 200 g Fresh Noodles(or any pasta like egg noodles or spaghetti broken into pieces)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat cubes on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add diced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to break down.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the meat and vegetables are covered. Add salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is very tender.
- 7
Add the fresh noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to noodle package directions, usually 5-10 minutes, until al dente.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 9
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped dill and parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water.
- ✓If fresh noodles are unavailable, dried egg noodles or even broken spaghetti can be used.
- ✓Don't overcook the noodles; they should retain a slight bite.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- A dollop of sour cream or yogurt can be added to individual bowls.