Traditional Georgian Pkhali Recipe
Pkhali, a seasonal Georgian dish, is a unique gem in the world of cuisine.
With the arrival of spring, a delightful recipe made with freshly picked greens is the perfect gift for any gourmet.
This vegan appetizer is one of the most beloved traditional Georgian dishes.
It’s made by cooking various herbs and vegetables, and then blending them with aromatic spices.
The list of vegetables and leafy greens used in pkhali is extensive and includes spinach, kohlrabi, greenbriers, beetroot, nettle, asparagus, and sorrel, among others.
In addition to its special flavor, pkhali also offers many health benefits.
The Significance of Pkhali in Georgian Cuisine
Pkhali is a traditional dish that has been known since ancient times and is tied to both fasting and festive occasions.
When the consumption of animal products was prohibited, pkhali served as an important alternative.
Its variety and rich flavors allow Georgians to enhance their diet.
Today, modern chefs create numerous variations of pkhali recipes, experimenting with new ingredients and textures.
This dish fits well into both vegetarian and vegan diets, which contributes to its growing popularity.
Regardless of the vegetables and greens you choose to use, the basic recipe for traditional Georgian pkhali remains consistent.
This time, let’s prepare it using spinach.
How to Make Pkhali: Step-by-Step Recipe with Spinach
Ingredients
- Spinach: 1 kg
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Onion: 1 head
- Walnuts: 150-200 g
- Fresh coriander: a handful
- Ground coriander: 1 tsp
- Saffron powder: 1 tsp
- Grated pepper: to taste
- Blue fenugreek powder: 1 tsp
- Vinegar: to taste
- Salt: to taste
- Pomegranate: 1 (or as needed)
Preparation
First, wash the spinach thoroughly, then place it in boiling water and cook for five minutes.
After cooking, transfer the spinach to a bowl.
Once cooled, gently squeeze out the excess water, then finely chop the spinach.
While the spinach is cooling, prepare the dressing.
Grind the walnuts and garlic together using a meat grinder or food processor. Then, add the ground coriander, saffron, fenugreek powder, and grated pepper. Mix everything well.
Finally, season the dressing with salt and vinegar to taste.
In a separate pan, fry the onion until it is golden brown.
Once everything is ready, combine the chopped spinach, dressing, sautéed onion, and chopped coriander in a large bowl.
Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors are evenly combined.
To finish, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for decoration.
Pkhali is part of a centuries-old tradition in Georgia and remains popular to this day.
Its unique flavor, healthy ingredients, and versatility make it a standout dish, not only in Georgian cuisine but also internationally.
If you ever get the chance to try Georgian cuisine, make sure pkhali is at the top of your list!
