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Kholodets

A shimmering, jiggling aspic of slow-simmered pork and beef that sets into a savory jelly — the legendary cold starter of Russian New Year’s tables.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 4 hr 30 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Kholodets

Kholodets is a shimmering jellied meat — pork hocks and beef simmered for hours until their natural gelatin sets the broth into a wobbly, savory mold. Served cold, it is a wintry delicacy that rewards patience with deep, rich flavor.

Cut into squares and topped with garlic and a scrape of horseradish, kholodets is a holiday-table tradition, especially at New Year. It is an acquired taste to some, and a non-negotiable ritual for others.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Rinse the meat and place it in a large pot with the onion, carrots, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 4-5 hours until the meat falls off the bone.
  3. Remove the meat, shred it, and discard the bones and vegetables; season the broth with salt.
  4. Stir the garlic into the broth and pour it over the shredded meat in a deep dish.
  5. Refrigerate overnight until firmly set, then serve cold with horseradish.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Never boil — a slow simmer keeps the broth clear. If the jelly is shy of setting, a packet of gelatin dissolved in warm broth guarantees a firm mold.

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Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook4 hr 30 min
Servings8
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →