Russian Zharkoye (Hearty Meat Stew)

Zharkoye is a traditional Russian meat stew with beef potatoes and vegetables simmered slowly in aromatic broth until tender served hot with fresh herbs and rye bread for a comforting rustic meal

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 2

Course Main Course

Cuisine Russian

Servings

Calories 768 kcal

Ingredients

For the stew

800 g beef or pork shoulder cut into large cubes
2 tbsp sunflower oil or neutral oil
2 onions sliced
2 carrots peeled and cut into thick slices
800 g potatoes peeled and cut into large chunks
3 garlic cloves crushed
500 ml beef or vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
6 black peppercorns
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

To begin, heat oil in a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium to high heat. Add the meat cubes in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a proper sear. Remove and set aside. Transition to aromatics.
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and sauté sliced onions until soft and slightly golden. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. This forms the base of the stew's flavour. Proceed to layer vegetables.
Add the sliced carrots and crushed garlic to the onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes until aromatic. This step helps release sweetness from the carrots. Move on to returning the meat.
Return the seared meat to the pot. Pour in the stock, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to taste. Stir gently. Continue to prepare the potatoes.
Layer the potato chunks on top without stirring. This allows the vegetables to steam while the meat simmers. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Transition to slow cooking.
Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and the potatoes are soft but intact. Avoid vigorous boiling to preserve texture. Move to final seasoning.
Taste the broth and adjust salt as needed. If desired, skim off excess fat from the surface. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving. Prepare garnishes next.
Ladle the Zharkoye into deep bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with rye bread or sour cream on the side for a more traditional experience. This dish is best enjoyed piping hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 768kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 39gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 1571mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5369IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 6mg

Keyword stew beef

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