Shurbo-i Khoch
Tajik Lentil and Meat Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup from Tajikistan, featuring tender chunks of lamb or beef, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic vegetables. It's a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for colder weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or Beef(cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 150 g Brown or Green Lentils(rinsed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, or fresh chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Ghee
- 2 liters Water or Broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- a handful Fresh Cilantro or Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides.
- 2
Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add diced tomatoes, water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to tenderize the meat.
- 5
Add the rinsed lentils, diced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure lentils and vegetables are submerged in liquid. - 6
Bring the soup back to a simmer, cover, and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or broth.
💡 Tip: The soup should have a rich, thick consistency. - 8
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with fresh bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use beef or lamb broth instead of water.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.
- ✓Lentils can be soaked for a few hours before cooking to reduce cooking time, but it's not strictly necessary for this recipe.
- ✓This soup can be made ahead of time and reheats well, flavors often deepen overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add more lentils or chickpeas for protein.
- A bay leaf can be added during the simmering process for extra aroma.