Kovurma Shurpa
Kovurma Shurpa is a hearty and flavorful Uzbek soup where the main ingredients (meat, onions, carrots) are first fried before being simmered in broth. This frying process, 'kovurma,' adds a depth of flavor and richness to the soup, distinguishing it from other shurpa variations. It's typically made with lamb or beef and a variety of vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers, seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or Beef(cut into bite-sized pieces (bone-in preferred for richer broth))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(sliced into thin strips)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- Salt(to taste)
- 1.5 liters Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cut the lamb or beef into bite-sized pieces. If using bone-in meat, keep the bones for extra flavor.
💡 Tip: Using bone-in meat will enrich the broth. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the diced carrots, tomatoes, and sliced green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 5
Add the minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma. - 6
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
💡 Tip: Skimming ensures a clear and clean broth. - 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 40 minutes.
- 8
Add the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
- 9
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and parsley. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in cuts of lamb or beef.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the meat; do it in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
- Include a bay leaf during the simmering process for added aroma.