Mastava (Uzbek Rice and Lamb Soup)
In short: A thick, tomato-tinged soup of lamb, rice, potatoes and carrots, finished with fresh herbs and often a spoonful of sour yogurt. It takes about 1 h 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 25 min
- Total
- 1 h 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 460 kcal
Mastava is the soup people make when they want something between a stew and a rice dish. Cubed lamb is browned with onion and carrots, simmered with tomatoes and cumin, then potatoes and rice go in until the broth turns thick and comforting. It is a weeknight staple in Uzbek homes, served with bread and a spoonful of sour yogurt for those who like a tangy finish.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot over high heat and brown the lamb for 6 to 8 minutes. Add the onion and carrots and cook for 6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, cumin and salt and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Add the water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes until the lamb is nearly tender.
- Add the potatoes and bell pepper and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and simmer for 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the soup is thick.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Ladle into bowls, top with dill and cilantro and add a spoonful of yogurt if you like.
Tips
- Mastava thickens as it stands. Thin it with hot water when reheating.
- Beef can replace the lamb, but it needs longer to become tender. For chicken thighs, skip the 40-minute simmer and add them with the potatoes, since they cook through in about 25 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I make mastava ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator, though the rice absorbs the broth. Add hot water when you reheat.
Can I freeze mastava?
You can, but the rice and potatoes soften more after thawing. Freeze the broth and lamb, then add fresh rice and potatoes when you reheat.
How is mastava different from shurpa?
Mastava has rice and a tomato base, so it is thicker and more filling. Shurpa is a clear broth with large pieces of meat and vegetables.
How long does it take to make Mastava (Uzbek Rice and Lamb Soup)?
About 1 h 50 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mastava (Uzbek Rice and Lamb Soup)?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 44 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
