Earthy Georgian Kharcho with Plum Sauce and Walnuts

Name: Earthy Georgian Kharcho with Plum Sauce and Walnuts
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef chuck; Salt; Black pepper; Vegetable oil; Ripe plums; Garlic cloves; Red pepper flakes; Ground coriander; Ground fenugreek; Ground cumin; Walnuts; Fresh parsley

Traditional Georgian Beef Stew with Piquant Plum and Walnut Flavor

Dive into the heart of Georgian cuisine with this rich and aromatic beef stew featuring a delightful balance of juicy plums and crunchy walnuts.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Beef

Beef chuck

2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

For the Plum Sauce

Ripe plums

1 pound, pitted and chopped

Garlic cloves

2, minced

Red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon

For the Spice Mix

Ground coriander

1 teaspoon

Ground fenugreek

1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

For the Walnut Garnish

Walnuts

1/2 cup, finely chopped

Fresh parsley

2 tablespoons, finely chopped

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Season the beef

Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.

Marinate

Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

Temper the beef

Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Ensure the beef is at room temperature before searing to prevent it from toughening.

Preparing the Plum Sauce

Cook plums and garlic

Combine chopped plums and minced garlic in a saucepan.

Add red pepper flakes

Add red pepper flakes and stir over medium heat until plums are soft.

Puree sauce

Puree the mixture until smooth and set aside.

Cooking Process

Brown the beef

Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are evenly seared.

Simmer the stew

Add browned beef, plum sauce, and spice mix to the pot. Cover with water and simmer on low heat until beef is tender, about 2 hours.

Toast the ground spices briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavors before adding to the stew.

Final touch

Adjust seasoning and incorporate chopped walnuts and parsley just before serving.

Timing & Heat Guide

Browning: 20 minutes at medium-high heat. Stewing: 2 hours at low heat.

Plating & Serving