A warming and flavorful soup from Georgia, perfect for cold days. Tender beef, rice, walnuts, and a fragrant mix of spices make this soup unforgettable.
Ingredients (makes ~3 liters / 12 cups):
- Beef on the bone – 1.3 lb (600 g)
- Water – 12 cups (3 liters)
- Onion – 2 medium
- Carrot – 1 medium
- Rice – 1/2 cup (100–150 g)
- Garlic – 6 cloves, finely chopped
- Walnuts – 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Tkemali sauce – 1/3 cup (100 g)
- Adjika – 1 tsp
- Khmeli-suneli – 1 tsp
- Cilantro – 1 small bunch, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil – 2–3 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Optional substitute: 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomatoes in juice instead of Tkemali.
Cooking process
Prepare the broth:
Place beef on the bone in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for a few minutes, then drain. Refill with fresh water and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, skimming foam. About 1 hour in, add peeled onions and sliced carrot.
Sauté onions with Tkemali and Adjika:
Finely slice one onion. Heat 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until light golden (5–7 minutes). Add Tkemali sauce and Adjika. Simmer together for 10 minutes.
Prepare walnuts:
Roast walnuts in a dry skillet until golden, 5–10 minutes. Grind them using a blender or rolling pin.
Prepare walnuts:
Roast walnuts in a dry skillet until golden, 5–10 minutes. Grind them using a blender or rolling pin.
Prepare meat and vegetables:
When the broth is ready, remove the meat, onions, and carrots. Discard onions and carrots. Separate the beef from the bones and cut into small pieces.
Cook rice and meat:
Add washed rice and chopped beef back into the pot. Simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes.
Combine all ingredients:
Add the sautéed onion with Tkemali and Adjika, walnuts, finely chopped garlic, and Khmeli-suneli to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Let the soup brew:
Remove from heat and let the soup sit for 20–30 minutes to develop flavors. Serve hot, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day!
Cook another delicious dish of Georgian cuisine https://takajaeda.com/en/recipes-en/adjarian-khachapuri/