Mastava Recipe: Easy Traditional Uzbek Rice Soup Guide

Mastava is a traditional Central Asian hearty rice and meat soup that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. Originating from Uzbek and Tajik cuisines, this dish combines tender chunks of meat, aromatic rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered gently to create a comforting, flavorful meal.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something nourishing and filling, mastava offers a perfect balance of textures and spices. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or looking to explore new world flavors, this mastava recipe will guide you through the process with ease and authenticity.

This recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. From the rich, savory broth to the subtle hints of herbs and spices, every spoonful is a journey to the heart of Central Asia’s culinary heritage.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a bowl of mastava that will impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mastava is a wonderful combination of simplicity and depth. It’s a one-pot meal that covers all bases: protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying dish.

Unlike many soups, mastava has a thick, stew-like consistency that is both filling and comforting.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy slow-cooked meals with layers of flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can substitute meats, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the spices to make it uniquely yours.

Plus, mastava is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Central Asian cuisine without complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

For more hearty, wholesome meals, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Veggie Potato Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious.

Ingredients

• 500g lamb or beef, cut into small cubes (you can also use chicken or keep it vegetarian)
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 potato, peeled and diced (optional)
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth (you can use water with bouillon cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lamb fat
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped for garnish
• 1 bay leaf

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for cooking mastava
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables and meat
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop all vegetables and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil or lamb fat in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Brown the meat: Add the cubed meat to the onions and cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes. This step locks in flavor and improves the soup’s depth.
4. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add vegetables: Toss in the carrots, bell pepper, potatoes (if using), and tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
6. Pour in broth and bay leaf: Add the broth to the pot. The liquid should cover all the ingredients by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
7. Simmer the mastava: Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
8. Add the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the broth. Cover and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
9. Adjust seasoning and remove bay leaf: Taste the mastava and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top. Serve hot in deep bowls for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

“For the richest flavor, use lamb fat or butter instead of vegetable oil.”

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or zucchini to customize your mastava.

To add a tangy twist, serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a spicier version, include a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes when adding the spices.

Slow cooking mastava in a slow cooker is an excellent alternative if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Just follow the same steps but extend cooking times to allow flavors to deepen.

For more ideas on wholesome, comforting soups, check out our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food and Awesome Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Comfort Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Mastava is best enjoyed hot, garnished with fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or traditional Central Asian flatbreads like non or lavash.

A side of tangy pickled vegetables offers a great contrast to the rich flavors.

For a complete meal, serve mastava alongside a fresh salad such as the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. A light, refreshing salad balances the hearty nature of the soup perfectly.

Conclusion

Mastava is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of Central Asian culinary tradition that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Its rich broth, tender meat, and satisfying rice make it a versatile and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or craving a homey meal, this mastava recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy the authentic taste of mastava in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with spices and vegetables to make it truly your own.

For more delicious and wholesome recipes, explore our collection of 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals and Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Mastava”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Mastava is a traditional Uzbek rice and meat soup with vegetables and fragrant spices. It is hearty and perfect for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“300g lamb, diced”, “1 cup rice, rinsed”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced”, “2 tomatoes, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon cumin”, “1 teaspoon coriander”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “4 cups water or broth”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pot and saut\u00e9 onions until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced lamb and brown on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rinsed rice and cook for another 25 minutes until rice is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}