Main Course

Georgian Ostri (Veal Ragout) with Water Chestnut and Bamboo Shoot

Original name: Ostri with Water Chestnut and Bamboo Shoot

Bowl of Georgian veal ragout ostri with water chestnuts and bamboo shoots, garnished with fresh parsley, served on a wooden table.
Prep
20 mins
Cook
50 mins
Servings
4
GeorgianMediumDinnerDairy FreeGluten Free

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

protein

600 g

Imperial measurement: 1.3 lb

Water chestnuts

vegetable

200 g

Imperial measurement: 1 can (drained)

Bamboo shoots

vegetable

150 g

Imperial measurement: 1 can (drained)

Olive oil

fat

30 ml

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Onion

vegetable

1 large

Garlic cloves

vegetable

3 cloves

Dry white wine

liquid

120 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Canned crushed tomatoes

vegetable

400 g

Imperial measurement: 14 oz

Butter

fat

30 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

All-purpose flour

other

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp

Water

liquid

approx. 100 ml as needed

Imperial measurement: approx. 1/2 cup as needed

Salt

seasoning

to taste

Black pepper

spice

to taste

Fresh parsley

herb

1 handful

Method

1

Prep the veal

5 minutes

Cut the veal shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.

2

Brown the meat

10 minutes

Heat 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.

3

Cook aromatics

4 minutes

Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4

Deglaze with wine

3 minutes

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

5

Add tomatoes and veal

2 minutes

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and return the meat to the pot. Add enough water to just cover the meat.

6

Simmer the ragout

35 minutes

Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes until the veal is tender.

7

Thicken the sauce

3 minutes

In 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.

8

Add vegetables

5 minutes

Slice water chestnuts and bamboo shoots into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the stew and cook for another 5 minutes.

9

Season and serve

1 minute

Adjust salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • knife
  • cutting board

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
24 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
650 mg
Sodium

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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Nino Beridze

Recipe by

Nino Beridze

Specialises in Georgian cuisine

Nino 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.