Kharcho with tkemali and nuts

10 servings

150 minutes

Kharcho with tkemali and nuts is a dish that embodies the splendor of Georgian cuisine. Its rich flavor is shaped by the combination of aromatic spices, the tartness of tkemali, and the tenderness of beef brisket. Nuts add depth and velvetiness to kharcho, while greens provide freshness. Traditionally, kharcho is cooked in large cauldrons to fully release the aroma of spices. The taste of this soup is thick, tangy, with a slight sourness and spicy notes of saffron, coriander, and khmeli-suneli. It is perfect for warming winter lunches or heartfelt gatherings. This is not just a soup but a whole palette of flavors conveying the spirit of Georgian traditions.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 388.2
• Proteins: 22.5g
• Fats: 27.7g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

Ingredients

• Beef brisket: 1 kg
• Long grain rice: 0.5 glass
• Ground coriander: 1 tsp
• Ground saffron: 1 tsp
• Khmeli-suneli: 2 tsp
• Red Basil: 1 bunch
• Coriander: 1 bunch
• Crushed walnuts: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 3 clove
• Onion: 1 head
• Parsley root: 1 pc
• Allspice peas: 5 pc
• Bay leaf: 4 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Tkemali: 200 g

Cooking steps

1. Rinse the rice and soak it in lightly salted water for 15-20 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Long grain rice: 0.5 glass
   • Salt:  to taste

2. Wash the brisket, chop it into medium pieces, pour in water and boil for 5 minutes after boiling, then drain the resulting broth (we don't need it).

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef brisket: 1 kg

3. Rinse the meat pieces under running water to remove the foam, pour in 2.5 liters of water, add a whole onion, parsley root, peppercorns, bay leaf, salt, and simmer for 2 hours. Then remove the meat and separate it from the bones. Strain the broth and bring it to a boil.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef brisket: 1 kg
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Parsley root: 1 piece
   • Allspice peas: 5 piece
   • Bay leaf: 4 pieces
   • Salt:  to taste

4. Put rice and meat in the broth and cook until the rice is ready (about 15-20 minutes).

   Required ingredients:

   • Long grain rice: 0.5 glass
   • Beef brisket: 1 kg

5. Add tkhemali and coriander, cook for another 10 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tkemali: 200 g
   • Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon

6. Add saffron and khmeli-suneli, boil for another 5 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ground saffron: 1 teaspoon
   • Khmeli-suneli: 2 teaspoons

7. Chop basil and cilantro finely (for those who dislike cilantro, parsley can be used).

   Required ingredients:

   • Red Basil: 1 bunch
   • Coriander: 1 bunch

8. In a mortar, crush the nuts, garlic, black pepper, and a bit of chopped cilantro (parsley).

   Required ingredients:

   • Crushed walnuts: 2 tablespoons
   • Garlic: 3 cloves
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Coriander: 1 bunch

9. Add the contents of the mortar, chopped basil, and cilantro to the soup, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 20-30 minutes. Serve sprinkled with a pinch of fresh chopped herbs.

   Required ingredients:

   • Crushed walnuts: 2 tablespoons
   • Garlic: 3 cloves
   • Red Basil: 1 bunch
   • Coriander: 1 bunch