Cironka Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the beef or lamb pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the cumin powder, paprika, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, bell pepper, and tomato to the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. 6.
   Simmer the Cironka for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Cironka hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or traditional Kazakh bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or lamb — Choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before cooking to reduce the overall fat content.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin powder in the pot before adding other ingredients enhances its aroma and flavor.
• Potatoes — Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better during the cooking process.
• Bell pepper — Use a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• To enhance the richness of the broth, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Cironka in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to waft up and entice the senses. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or traditional Kazakh bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Cironka with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to evoke the traditional Kazakh dining experience.