Sho'rva (Uzbek Lamb and Vegetable Soup)
In short: Bone-in lamb simmered with large pieces of carrot, potato, tomato and pepper in a clear, fragrant broth, finished with plenty of fresh herbs. It takes about 2 h 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 2 h
- Total
- 2 h 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 370 kcal
Sho'rva is the everyday soup of Uzbek homes, built on bone-in lamb and vegetables cut into big, rustic pieces. Nothing is blended and very little is fried: the meat simmers until the broth turns golden, then the vegetables go in by order of hardness. Cumin, coriander and a whole head of garlic scent the pot, and dill and cilantro go on at the end. Bread and raw onion rings are the usual partners.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the lamb on all sides for 8 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the water, bring to a boil and skim off the foam for the first 10 minutes. Add the salt, bay leaves, cumin and coriander.
- Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour until the lamb is almost tender.
- Add the carrots and the head of garlic and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, tomatoes and pepper and cook for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the potatoes are soft but still hold their shape.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Ladle into wide bowls with a piece of meat and several vegetables in each, and scatter with the dill and cilantro.
Tips
- Skim the surface well in the first 10 minutes for a clearer broth. Lift off extra fat with a spoon if the soup looks very rich.
- Beef short ribs can replace lamb, but they need about 90 minutes before the vegetables go in.
Questions and answers
How long does sho'rva keep?
It keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator and tastes better on day two. Reheat gently so the potatoes do not fall apart.
Can I freeze sho'rva?
Freeze the broth and meat without the potatoes for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked potatoes when you reheat it.
What do you serve with sho'rva?
Fresh bread, thin onion rings dressed with a little vinegar, and a plate of sliced tomatoes. A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of ground black pepper in the bowl also works well.
How long does it take to make Sho'rva (Uzbek Lamb and Vegetable Soup)?
About 2 h 25 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 2 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Sho'rva (Uzbek Lamb and Vegetable Soup)?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 20 g of protein, 23 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 830 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
