Spicy Georgian Mushroom Stew (Chashushuli Ostri) Recipe
Chashushuli (Ostri) is a traditional spicy Georgian mushroom stew featuring button mushrooms simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with adjika, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This hearty vegetarian stew is perfect as a warming meal served with bread or over grains, showcasing the bold, robust flavors of Georgian cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Georgian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms
- 1 kg button mushrooms (stems removed and cut into quarters)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 25 g fresh cilantro (finely chopped, stems and leaves separated)
- 1 green chilli (minced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices & Condiments
- 2 tbsp adjika (Georgian spicy paste)
- 4 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried savory
- 2 bay leaves
Canned Tomatoes & Liquids
- 2 (400 g/14 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes (crushed with hands)
- 400 ml (1.5 cups) water
Oils
- Neutral oil for cooking (e.g., vegetable or sunflower oil), approximately 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Cook the mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the quartered mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes until the mushrooms reduce in size and brown significantly. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced onion, cilantro stems, and minced green chilli. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, adjika, tomato paste, and dried savory. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the browned mushrooms to the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the onion-spice mixture.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the crushed canned tomatoes and 400 ml (1.5 cups) of water. Add the bay leaves and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves just before serving. Serve the stew immediately, hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Adjika is a fiery Georgian chili paste that adds distinctive heat and flavor; it can be sourced from specialty stores or substituted with a mix of chili paste and garlic.
- Dried savory is a traditional Georgian herb that imparts a slightly peppery, tangy note which complements the mushrooms and tomato base.
- This stew is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread, rice, or traditional Georgian bread like puri.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the green chilli.
Keywords: Georgian mushroom stew, Chashushuli, Ostri, spicy mushroom stew, vegetarian Georgian recipe, adjika stew, vegetarian stew
