Kharcho with beef

Cookinero 1 Apr 2025

Kharcho soup is a traditional Georgian soup that has gained popularity throughout the post-Soviet space. Its main ingredients are beef, rice, tomato paste, and a large amount of garlic, spices and herbs, namely cilantro. Also, a classic ingredient for kharcho is tkemali sauce, which gives a unique sweet shade. Often, pieces of prunes are put instead. The soup turns out very spicy, hot, sweet and satisfying.

How to cook Kharcho with beef

Step 1

Kharcho with beef

Place the beef in a saucepan and pour in 2 liters of cold water. Put the saucepan on the fire. When the water boils, reduce the heat and add a little salt to the water. Cover the saucepan with a lid. Cook the broth on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours.

Step 2

Kharcho with beef

Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes. To do this, make cross-shaped cuts on them, lower them into boiling water in a saucepan, hold in boiling water for 1 minute. Then quickly lower them into ice water and remove the skin. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes.

Step 3

Kharcho with beef

Chop the onion into small cubes.

Step 4

Kharcho with beef

Chop the cilantro.

Step 5

Kharcho with beef

Heat a frying pan with vegetable oil. Fry the onion over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden.

Step 6

Kharcho with beef

Add tomatoes to the pan, stir and fry for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Kharcho with beef

Add tomato paste, adjika, paprika and some cilantro to the vegetables.

Step 8

Kharcho with beef

Mix everything and simmer the vegetables for 5 minutes over low heat.

Step 9

Kharcho with beef

When the broth is cooked, take out the beef and cut it into strips. Return the meat to the broth.

Step 10

Kharcho with beef

Add the stewed vegetables and bay leaf to the pan. Mix everything well.

Step 11

Kharcho with beef

Add the rice and stir. Cook the soup over low heat, skimming off any foam from the surface occasionally. When the rice is done, turn off the soup. Bring to taste, adding a little salt and sugar if needed. Squeeze or crush the garlic, then add to the soup. Cover the pan with a lid and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 12

Kharcho with beef

The Kharcho soup is ready. Serve it garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your meal.

Kharcho with beef - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes! Lamb, chicken, or even mushrooms (for a vegetarian version) work well. Adjust cooking times based on the protein used.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to maintain consistency.
Absolutely! Omit the beef, use vegetable broth, and double the mushrooms or add lentils for heartiness. Keep the spices and herbs for authentic flavor.
Mix ½ tsp red pepper flakes + 1 tsp smoked paprika + 1 minced garlic clove for a similar smoky, spicy kick.
Yes, but without rice (it turns mushy). Freeze the base; cook rice fresh when reheating. Thaw overnight, then simmer with rice until tender.
Reduce or omit adjika and paprika. Add a dollop of sour cream when serving to mellow the heat.
Short-grain rice (like Arborio) or jasmine rice works best—they hold shape well. Avoid instant rice (it overcooks).
Yes! Chop veggies, blanch tomatoes, and store them separately. Pre-cook beef broth up to 2 days ahead for faster assembly.

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