Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something seriously comforting, and the aroma of spices is just calling your name. That’s where Kharcho comes in! This isn’t just any beef soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, straight from the heart of Georgia. Yep, that beautiful country nestled in the Caucasus is where this amazing Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe originates, and trust me, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget!
My first taste of Kharcho was at a tiny little family-run place. I was immediately hooked. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, but without spending all day in the kitchen. So, I’ve tweaked and tested, and I’m so excited to share my version with you. It’s got all the authentic flavors – that rich beefy broth, the warmth of the spices, the satisfying chew of rice – but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, you can have a pot of this incredible Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe simmering away in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Reasons to make Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Okay, so why should you try this recipe? First off, the flavor is seriously incredible. We’re talking layers of savory beef, warm spices, and a hint of tanginess that just *works*. It’s hearty enough to be a meal all on its own, perfect for those nights when you want something super satisfying. Plus, it’s way easier to make than you might think! No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. And let’s not forget, with beef and rice, it’s packed with protein and energy to keep you going. Trust me, this Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe is a winner!
Ingredients for the Best Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe is all about layering those flavors, so grab the good stuff. You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of beef chuck, and make sure you cut it into 1-inch cubes – that’s the perfect size for tenderness. Then, get ready with 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; and 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped (canned is fine in a pinch!). Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced, and 1 cup of rice. For the saucy goodness, you’ll need 1/2 cup of tomato paste. And for that nutty crunch and fresh finish? 1/4 cup each of chopped walnuts and fresh cilantro.
Now, the spices! This is where the magic happens. You absolutely need 1 tbsp of suneli hops (khmeli suneli) – it’s the heart and soul of Kharcho! A tsp of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. And to bring it all together, 8 cups of beef broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too) and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil for browning the beef. Got it all? Great, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Authentic Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here we go! Time to turn those ingredients into a pot of pure deliciousness. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and you’ll be slurping up the best Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe ever in no time!
Preparing the Beef for the Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. Heat up that vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Now, this is important: you want to brown the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or it’ll just steam instead of getting that nice, flavorful crust. Brown those beef cubes on all sides, then set them aside. Next, toss in the chopped onion and carrots. Cook them until they’re softened, about 5 minutes or so. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions are translucent and the carrots are slightly tender.
Simmering the Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe to Perfection
Alright, now for the good stuff! Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for just a minute, until it smells amazing – careful not to burn the garlic! Then, pour in that beef broth and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the browned beef back to the pot, and let it simmer. This is where patience comes in. Simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until that beef is fall-apart tender. You should be able to easily shred it with a fork.
Finishing Your Delicious Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Almost there! Add the rice, chopped tomatoes, suneli hops (that’s the magic ingredient!), salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender. Give it a good stir every now and then to prevent sticking. Finally, stir in the chopped walnuts and cilantro. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – maybe a little more salt, a pinch more red pepper flakes? It’s all up to you! Now, serve it hot and get ready to enjoy the best Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe ever!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Want to take your Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, don’t skimp on the beef broth. Seriously, a good quality broth makes a HUGE difference in the overall flavor. If you can, make your own! It’s easier than you think. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with the spices. If you like it extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of heat, tone it down a bit.
One more thing: make sure that rice is cooked just right. Nobody wants mushy rice in their soup! I usually go for a medium-grain rice. Keep an eye on it and taste it frequently towards the end of the cooking time. And remember, the soup will thicken as it sits, so don’t overcook the rice! Trust me, these little tweaks will give you restaurant-quality Kharcho every single time.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Okay, let’s talk about those special ingredients in our Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe! First up, suneli hops (khmeli suneli). This spice blend is *key*! If you can’t find it, a mix of coriander, fenugreek, dill, and marigold will do in a pinch. And hey, if walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out! Almonds or even pecans would be yummy. Just make sure they’re chopped! Don’t have fresh cilantro? Parsley works just fine – it’ll still give it that fresh, herby vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
What is Khmeli Suneli and can I replace it in the Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe?
Okay, so Khmeli Suneli is like, *the* essential spice blend for authentic Kharcho. It’s Georgian magic! It usually has coriander, dill, basil, marjoram, savory, fenugreek, and even a little bit of bay leaf. Wow, right? If you absolutely can’t find it (and I really recommend trying!), you can make your own blend. Mix equal parts coriander, fenugreek, and dried dill. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll get you pretty darn close. Trust me, don’t skip it altogether – it’s what gives the Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe its signature flavor!
Can I make this Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe vegetarian?
Alright, so you’re thinking of going meat-free? I get it! While this is traditionally a Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe, you *can* adapt it. Swap out the beef for hearty mushrooms (like cremini or portobello) or even some chickpeas. And obviously, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit, depending on what you use. It won’t be *exactly* Kharcho, but it’ll still be a flavorful and comforting soup!
How do I store leftover Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe?
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe tastes even better the next day, if you ask me. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up too much. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing pot of Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe bubbling away. What next? I always love serving it with a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth – yum! A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice tang, too. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra cilantro never hurts!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe
Okay, so you’re wondering about the nutritional stuff? Each serving (about 1.5 cups) clocks in around 350 calories. We’re estimating about 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbs. Just remember, these are estimates!
Enjoyed This Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe?
So, did you love it? I really hope so! If you gave this Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe a try, please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe! It helps others find it. Sharing is caring, so spread the Kharcho love on social media!
Print
Delicious Beef Soup (Kharcho) Recipe: Just 2 Hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Georgian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty and flavorful beef soup with rice, vegetables, and a blend of spices. Enjoy this traditional Kharcho recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup rice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp suneli hops (khmeli suneli)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Add chopped onion and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add rice, chopped tomatoes, suneli hops, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- You can add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
