Main Course
Georgian Ostri (Veal Ragout) with Water Chestnut and Bamboo Shoot
Original name: Ostri with Water Chestnut and Bamboo Shoot

About this dish
A Georgian-style veal ragout called ostri gets an unexpected twist with the addition of crunchy water chestnuts and tender bamboo shoots. The savory-sweet tomato-wine base is thickened with butter and flour, while the vegetables add texture and freshness.
Perfect over rice or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Veal shoulder
protein600 g
Imperial measurement: 1.3 lb
Water chestnuts
vegetable200 g
Imperial measurement: 1 can (drained)
Bamboo shoots
vegetable150 g
Imperial measurement: 1 can (drained)
Olive oil
fat30 ml
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
Onion
vegetable1 large
Garlic cloves
vegetable3 cloves
Dry white wine
liquid120 ml
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Canned crushed tomatoes
vegetable400 g
Imperial measurement: 14 oz
Butter
fat30 g
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
All-purpose flour
other15 g
Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp
Water
liquidapprox. 100 ml as needed
Imperial measurement: approx. 1/2 cup as needed
Salt
seasoningto taste
Black pepper
spiceto taste
Fresh parsley
herb1 handful
Method
Prep the veal
5 minutesCut the veal shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
Brown the meat
10 minutesHeat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the veal cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
Cook aromatics
4 minutesReduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Deglaze with wine
3 minutesPour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes and veal
2 minutesStir in the crushed tomatoes and return the meat to the pot. Add enough water to just cover the meat.
Simmer the ragout
35 minutesBring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes until the veal is tender.
Thicken the sauce
3 minutesIn a small bowl, knead butter and flour together to make a paste (beurre manié). Stir into the simmering stew, then cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Add vegetables
5 minutesSlice water chestnuts and bamboo shoots into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the stew and cook for another 5 minutes.
Season and serve
1 minuteAdjust salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy pot
- knife
- cutting board
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can replace water with beef broth partially.
- The beurre manié is optional, but it gives the sauce a beautiful velvety consistency without lumps.
- You can substitute veal with beef stew meat if veal is unavailable.
Serving suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A dollop of sour cream is also common in Georgia.
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Recipe by
Nino Beridze
Specialises in Georgian cuisineNino makes khachapuri that oozes cheese like a volcano. She says the secret is loving the dough like a child.
Describe yourself in three words: Loving, loud, huggy.