Georgia About

Ostri is a hot, spicy beef stew that is very popular in Georgia, both as a home prepared meal and as a dish in restaurants.

Ingredients: 800 grams of lean beef, 100 grams of butter, 3 large onions, 4 large tomatoes, 1 tbs of hot red pepper, 1 tsp of dried coriander, 200 grams of marinated cucumber (optional), 1 heaped tbs of tomato puree, 2 cloves of garlic, 15 grams of parsley or purple basil (or both), 2 bay leaves, and salt (amount dependent upon personal preference).

Preparation: Cut the beef into medium sized cubes and add to a deep pot, together with 2 bay leaves. Add 200 ml of water. Cover and cook on a very low temperature for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

The meat should be very tender when fully cooked.

Fully drain off the meat juices but do not discard as they will be used later.

Add 100 grams of butter, together with salt (amount dependent upon personal preference).

Finely chop the onions and add to the pot. Mix thoroughly. Continue to cook on a very low heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The onion must not change color.

Skin and chop the tomatoes and add to the pot. Stir thoroughly. Continue to cook on a very low heat for 3-4 minutes.

Finely chop the garlic and add to the pot, together with 1 tsp of dried coriander and 1 heaped tbs of tomato puree. Stir thoroughly.

Add 1 tbs of hot red pepper and salt (if needed). Stir thoroughly.

Add the meat juices, saved from earlier. Stir and continue to cook on a very low heat for 5 minutes.

Finely chop the fresh parsley (or purple basil) and add to the pot. Stir.

Chop the marinated cucumbers (optional). Stir. Cook for a further 5 minutes on a medium heat and then serve.

Serving: Serve hot.

Enjoy your Ostri!

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