Chashushuli facts for kids

Chashushuli, a tasty Georgian stew.

Chashushuli served in Espoo, Finland.

Chashushuli (pronounced "cha-shoo-shoo-lee") is a super yummy stew from the country of Georgia. The name "Chashushuli" actually means "stewed" in the Georgian language! This dish is made by cooking meat, usually veal, with lots of fresh tomatoes. It's one of Georgia's main meat meals. While it might not be as famous as some other Georgian foods like Satsivi, it's a truly delicious and comforting dish.

What Goes Into Chashushuli?

The main things you need for Chashushuli are meat and tomatoes.

• Meat: The original recipe uses veal, which is meat from young cows. But today, many people use beef instead. Sometimes, people even use lamb, but that's less common.
• Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes or tomato paste. They give the stew its rich, tangy flavor.

Other important ingredients include:

• Onions: These add a sweet and savory base to the stew.
• Garlic: A must-have for a strong, delicious taste.
• Bell Peppers: Some recipes add sweet peppers, often a mix of yellow and green ones, for extra color and flavor.

For seasonings, cooks use:

• Salt and black pepper are always added.
• Ajika: A spicy Georgian paste.
• Suneli hops: A special Georgian spice blend.
• Fresh Herbs: Like parsley, dill, and cilantro. These are added at the end for a fresh taste.
• Ground Spices: Such as ground coriander and hot red pepper for a little kick!

How Do You Cook Chashushuli?

Cooking Chashushuli is like making a delicious, slow-cooked meal.

• First, the meat is cut into small pieces.
• Then, it's fried quickly over high heat. This can be done in a deep pan or a special pot called a cauldron.
• Once the meat's liquid has dried up, chopped onions are added. They cook until they become soft and clear.
• Next, hot boiled water is poured in. The stew then cooks slowly over low heat. More water is added if needed to keep the meat tender.

When the meat is almost ready:

• Peeled tomatoes (fresh or from a can) and tomato paste are added.
• All the spices and seasonings go in next.
• Just before serving, finely chopped fresh herbs are stirred in.

How is Chashushuli Served?

Chashushuli is usually served hot.

• It often comes in a special clay pan called a ketsi.
• It's served without any side dishes, so the meat and tomato flavors really shine.
• People usually eat it with lavash, which is a type of flatbread.
• It's also often enjoyed with white wine.