Georgian Kharcho Soup with Beef and Walnuts

Name: Georgian Kharcho Soup with Beef and Walnuts
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups beef broth; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Svaneti salt (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)

A hearty and spicy beef soup packed with Georgian flavors

Experience the robust flavors of Georgian cuisine with this traditional Kharcho soup featuring tender beef, aromatic spices, and crunchy walnuts.

2 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups beef broth

1 cup crushed tomatoes

For the Seasoning

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Walnut Mixture

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

For Final Touches

1 teaspoon Svaneti salt (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Season Beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.

Sear Beef

In a large pot, sear the beef over medium-high heat until browned.

Set Aside

Remove and set aside the beef on a plate.

Preparing the Walnut Mixture

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts with cilantro and red wine vinegar.

Set Aside

Set aside for later use.

Toast Mixture

Toast the walnut mixture briefly in a separate pan to enhance the flavor.

Do not skip the toasting of walnuts as it significantly boosts the dish's flavor profile.

Cooking Process

Building the Soup Base

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Simmering

Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, adding bay leaves and spices. Simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.

For the best flavor, allow the soup to simmer slowly to extract all the rich aromas and tastes.

Final Assembly

Stir in the toasted walnut mixture and allow the soup to cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Plating & Serving