Kharcho soup is a traditional Georgian dish packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Made with tender beef, rice, and a tangy tomato base, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. The rich mix of spices and fresh herbs gives it a unique, warming taste. Simple to prepare, Kharcho soup is a delicious way to add something exotic to your dinner table.
The Inspiration Behind The Kharcho Soup Recipe
Kharcho soup comes from Georgia, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The dish has been a part of Georgian culture for centuries. The unique spices used in the recipe, like ground coriander seeds, garlic, and chili, a unique Georgian spice mix, make it stand out. These spices give Kharcho its signature flavor. This soup is often served in Georgia for special occasions, but it’s also a comforting meal you can enjoy any day. The recipe has changed, but it still retains its rich taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
To make a traditional Kharcho soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (like chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
- 1 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or one can of diced tomatoes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional for added texture and flavor)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (optional for tanginess)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chili surely (Georgian spice mix, optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and all the spices, including ground coriander seeds, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and chili. The chili is a key part of this dish, giving it a deep, savory flavor. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and the spices come together.
- Simmer the soup: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Add the rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the soup thickens.
- Finish with walnuts and vinegar: Stir in the chopped walnuts (if using) and add vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variation
While the traditional Kharcho soup is made with beef, there are many ways to change up the recipe:
- Chicken Kharcho: You can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef for a lighter soup version.
- Vegetarian Kharcho: Replace the meat with more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or potatoes for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kharcho: If you like spicy food, add a chopped chili pepper or a little hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
- Lemon Kharcho: For a fresher flavor, use more lemon juice or even some lemon zest to add a citrusy twist.
Cooking Notes
- Rice: Rinse the rice well before adding it to the soup. This helps remove extra starch and will stop the soup from becoming too thick or sticky.
- Walnuts: Adding walnuts is optional but adds a great crunch and a unique flavor. If you dislike walnuts, leave them out or try a different type of nut, like almonds.
- Broth: Homemade beef broth will give the soup a richer flavor, but you can also use store-bought broth or even a mix of water and broth if you prefer something lighter.
- Tanginess: The soup gets its tang from vinegar or lemon juice. You can adjust the amount based on how tangy you like your soup.
Serving Suggestions
Kharcho soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides:
- Fresh bread: Serve with crusty bread or naan for dipping.
- Side salad: A light side salad with greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette will balance out the rich soup.
- Pickles: Georgian cuisine often includes pickled vegetables, so serve your soup with tangy pickles to balance the flavors.
- Sour cream: Add a spoonful of sour cream to make the soup even creamier.
Tips
- Make it ahead: Kharcho soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. It’s also great for meal prepping.
- Adjust the spices: You can always tweak the spices to fit your taste. Add more paprika for a smoky flavor or some cayenne pepper for heat.
- Freeze leftovers: Kharcho soup freezes well. Let it cool before freezing, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Prep time
15 minutes
Cooking time
1 hour 10 minutes
Total time
1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
How Kharcho Soup Brings Comfort and Flavor to Your Table
Kharcho soup is a dish that combines bold, rich flavors with comforting ingredients, making it the perfect meal for any day. This hearty soup uses tender beef, rice, and a mix of spices to create a satisfying and flavorful bowl. Whether you are under the weather or need a chilly meal on a cold evening, Kharcho soup will warm and fill you up. Using spices like ground coriander seeds and chili gives the soup a unique taste, making it stand out from other soups. It’s a dish that’s not just about comfort—it’s about the experience of tasting something different and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes! You can make Kharcho soup with lamb instead of beef for a richer flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! To make Kharcho soup in a slow cooker, add the beef, vegetables, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the rice about 20 minutes before serving.
Is this soup spicy?
Kharcho soup isn’t usually spicy, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce if you want it to have some heat.
Conclusion
Kharcho soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings the taste of Georgia into your kitchen. Whether you stick with the traditional beef version or try one of the many variations, this soup will keep you warm and satisfied. With tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich broth, Kharcho is the perfect comfort food to enjoy on cold days. Give it a try, and enjoy the bold flavors of Georgia at home!
