- Can I stir it while cooking?
- NO! The layers must remain intact so the vegetables don't break down.
- What meat should I use?
- Bone-in, fatty lamb is best (ribs, shoulder). The bone adds gelatin to the broth.
- Not enough liquid.
- The tomatoes and onions release juice, but if it's very dry, add 1/4 cup of water or beer.
Khashlama (Lamb and Vegetable Stew)
Khashlama is an ancient shepherd's dish from the Caucasus, a perfect example of the 'dump it and leave it' philosophy. The essence is layering: meat goes on the bottom, vegetables on top, and stirring is forbidden! The vegetables steam in their own juices above the meat, keeping every bit of flavor in the pot.
Ingredients
3
lbs
Lamb Chops or Shoulder (bone-in, cut into pieces)
3
pcs
Carrots (cut into thick rounds)
3
pcs
Onions (cut into thick rings)
3
pcs
Bell Peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
4
pcs
Tomatoes (sliced thickly)
2
lbs
Potatoes (peeled, halved or quartered)
6
cloves
Garlic (whole)
1
bunch
Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
2
pcs
Bay Leaves
1
tsp
Whole Black Peppercorns
1 1/2
tbsp
Salt
2
cups
Light Beer (Lager) or Water (optional but recommended)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or pot with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Allergen Information
Wheat (if using beer)
Instructions
1
✓
Prep the vegetables: clean everything and cut into large, rustic chunks. Keep potatoes large so they don't disintegrate.
Tip: Large vegetable pieces withstand long cooking times better.
2
✓
Layer the meat at the bottom of the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Tip: Place bone-side down; the bone protects the meat from direct heat.
3
✓
Layer the onions over the meat, then the carrots, peppers, and potatoes. Scatter whole garlic cloves and bay leaves in between. Lightly salt each layer.
Tip: Onions go near the bottom to release juices and protect the meat from burning.
4
✓
Place tomato slices and half of the fresh herbs on top. Pour in the beer or water.
Tip: Enzymes in the beer help tenderize the meat, while the alcohol evaporates.
5
✓
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 - 2.5 hours. DO NOT STIR! Just shake the pot occasionally.
Tip: Steam circulation does the work. If you remove the lid, heat and flavor escape.
6
✓
When serving, sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs. Ladle into deep bowls, ensuring a bit of every layer gets in.
Tip: Serve with fresh bread for dipping in the juices.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Lamb Chops or Shoulder (bone-in, cut into pieces)
- 3 pcs Carrots (cut into thick rounds)
- 3 pcs Onions (cut into thick rings)
- 3 pcs Bell Peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
- 4 pcs Tomatoes (sliced thickly)
- 2 lbs Potatoes (peeled, halved or quartered)
- 6 cloves Garlic (whole)
- 1 bunch Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
- 2 pcs Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
- 1 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 2 cups Light Beer (Lager) or Water (optional but recommended)