Discover the unique flavors of Khorkhog, a traditional Mongolian dish where meat and vegetables are cooked together with hot stones in a metal container. This authentic recipe combines tender meat with the smoky, rich taste of stone-cooked cooking, offering a truly unique dining experience.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef or lamb, cut into chunks

- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

- 1 large onion, sliced

- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

- 2-3 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 2-3 bay leaves

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- Salt to taste

- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Hot Stones:

  - Heat a handful of clean stones in a fire or oven until they are very hot. This will be used to cook the meat and vegetables.

Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:

  - In a large metal pot or container, layer the meat chunks, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper.

  - Season with bay leaves, black pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly seasoned.

Add Hot Stones:

  - Carefully place the hot stones on top of the meat and vegetables. The stones should be hot enough to sear the meat and vegetables.

Cook:

  - Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil. Place the pot over a heat source (e.g., a campfire or a stove) and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through. The stones will help cook the food evenly and impart a unique flavor.

Serve:

  - Carefully remove the hot stones from the pot. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Enjoy this traditional Mongolian delicacy with family and friends!

Nutritional Values

Beef or Lamb (1 kg, cut into chunks):

   - Calories: 250-300

   - Protein: 26-30g

   - Fat: 15-25g

   - Iron: 2.6mg

   - Zinc: 4.5mg

Benefits:

   - Excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and repair.

   - Rich in iron, which helps in the formation of red blood cells.

   - Contains zinc, which supports immune function and cell growth.

Potatoes (3-4 large, peeled and cut into chunks):

   - Calories: 77

   - Carbohydrates: 17g

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Fiber: 2.2g

Benefits:

   - Good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

   - Provides potassium, which helps in maintaining proper muscle function and blood pressure.

   - Contains vitamin C, important for immune health and skin.

Carrots (2, peeled and cut into chunks):

   - Calories: 41

   - Carbohydrates: 10g

   - Protein: 0.9g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Fiber: 2.8g

Benefits:

   - High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for vision health.

   - Contains antioxidants and fiber for digestive health.

Onion (1 large, sliced):

   - Calories: 40

   - Carbohydrates: 9g

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants such as quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation.

   - Provides prebiotics that support gut health.

Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced):

   - Calories: 149

   - Carbohydrates: 33g

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 0.5g

   - Fiber: 2.1g

Benefits:

   - Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

   - Contains allicin, which has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects.

Tomatoes (2-3, chopped):

   - Calories: 18

   - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

   - Protein: 0.9g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Fiber: 1.2g

Benefits:

   - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.

   - Provides vitamins C and K, supporting immune function and bone health.

Bell Pepper (1, sliced):

   - Calories: 20

   - Carbohydrates: 6g

   - Protein: 0.9g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

   - Excellent source of vitamins A and C.

   - Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Bay Leaves (2-3):

   - Calories: 313

   - Carbohydrates: 75g

   - Protein: 7g

   - Fat: 8g

   - Fiber: 26g

Benefits:

   - Used primarily for flavoring rather than nutritional value.

   - Contains compounds that may aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Pepper (1 tsp, ground):

   - Calories: 255

   - Carbohydrates: 64g

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fat: 3.3g

   - Fiber: 26g

Benefits:

   - Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

   - Provides antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Ground Cumin (1 tsp):

   - Calories: 375

   - Carbohydrates: 44g

   - Protein: 18g

   - Fat: 22g

   - Fiber: 11g

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Salt (to taste):

   - Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

   - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Fresh Herbs (such as thyme or parsley):

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g, raw):

   - Thyme: Calories: 101, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Fiber: 7g

   - Parsley: Calories: 36, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 0.8g, Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

   - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

This list provides a well-rounded mix of nutrients and health benefits. If you have any specific dietary needs or preferences, let me know, and I can adjust the information accordingly!