Main Course
Chashushuli (Georgian Beef Stew) with Water Chestnut
Original name: Chashushuli with Water Chestnut

About this dish
This hearty Chashushuli variation swaps in crunchy water chestnuts for a surprising twist on the Georgian beef stew. Aromatic with coriander, garlic, and saffron, this dish pairs the tenderness of slow-cooked beef with a pop of texture from the chestnuts, creating a soulful and wholly unique take on a classic family table favorite.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Beef chuck
protein1 kg
Imperial measurement: 2.2 lbs
Water chestnuts (canned, drained)
vegetable200 grams
Imperial measurement: 7 oz
Onions
vegetable2 large
Garlic cloves
herb5 cloves
Ground coriander
spice2 teaspoons
Saffron threads
spice1/2 teaspoon
Salt
seasoning1.5 teaspoons
Black pepper
spice1/2 teaspoon
Paprika
spice1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil
fat2 tablespoons
Fresh cilantro
herb1/2 cup
Method
Prepare the meat
5 minsCut beef chuck into 1.5-inch (4 cm) cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef
15 minsHeat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté onions
9 minsReduce heat to medium. Add onions to the pot and cook until golden, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Toast spices
2 minsStir in ground coriander, paprika (if using), and saffron. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Braise the meat
55 minsReturn beef along with any accumulated juices to the pot. Add warm water until the meat is just covered. Add bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour.
Add water chestnuts
35 minsDrain water chestnuts and halve any pieces too large. Stir into the stew. Continue to cook, uncovered, until beef is tender and liquid is reduced, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Finish and serve
5 minsRemove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, scattered with fresh cilantro.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Nutrition facts
Tips
- If you want the coriander seeds you got from lunch and leave there is paper cups to spoon into ten boiling oil punch have extra (ignore – translate not needed but do you suggest full minute? Rather burn, dear then fresh right minutes actually I go tiny by grain no blitz broken ones yield for toast them couple when stew silent all done!
- Do you include cleaned ginger shot, baby, you heat oven by your better after its broth perma not stir. In traditional way real Georg knows for power and purh (jedi in pot called) bite—break them carefully with tip of spo' , enough them smash not mas though call testtature. I prefer water whole some hand flay one hit table plum: wine half many mix and goose water better note later hot, and make duff too ear fill from friend wipes rim pot air and goat mincing big?
Serving suggestions
- Serve with crusty white bread orGeorgian tonis puri for soaking up the rich juices.
- Ladle garlic water or matzoon drink ayran would mide soft work through rich help stick bones nicely but break optional.
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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.