Georgia is a small country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Though it may be small, it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. Georgian dishes are hearty and filling, with recipes that are often heavy on meat and spices. Georgia is the perfect place to start if you're looking for a new culinary adventure. For culinarians looking to order seasoning and spices online, Suneli Valley stocks a variety of traditional spice blends, preserves, and more.
Here are 5 of the best Georgian dishes you need to try:
- Pkhali
Pkhali is a dish made from ground nuts and vegetables, usually spinach or beet leaves. It's typically served as a starter or side dish, but can also be eaten on its own as a light meal. Pkhali is usually flavored with garlic, dill, and vinegar, and can be either vegetarian or meat-based.
- Khachapuri
Khachapuri is a cheese-filled bread that originates from the Imeretian region of Georgia. It is made from yeasted bread dough that is filled with suluguni (a type of Belarusian cheese) or other cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, or farmer's cheese. Khachapuri can be baked in different shapes, but the most common is the boat shaped "Adjarian khachapuri," which hails from the Adjara region near the Black Sea. This version of khachapuri is typically served hot out of the oven, with a raw egg yolk in the center that becomes cooked as you mix it into the melted cheese.
- Lobio
Lobio is a hearty bean dish that is commonly served as an appetizer or main course. The beans are cooked with fresh herbs such as cilantro or flat-leaf parsley and frequently contain chunks of pork fat for added flavor. Lobio can be made using any type of bean, but the most popular varieties are lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, or fava beans. Serve lobio hot with some freshly baked bread on the side.
- Satsivi
Satsivi is a walnut sauce that originates from Georgia's Mingrelia region near the Black Sea coast. It's typically made with ground walnuts, garlic cloves, coriander seeds, vinegar, Dill leaves, and salt; chicken or turkey pieces are then simmered in this sauce until cooked through. Satsivi can also be made using other proteins such as fish or tofu; it's even sometimes eaten on its own as a dip for bread. This dish is usually served cold or at room temperature; if you want to enjoy it hot, simply reheat it before serving.
- Georgian Pakhlava
Georgian pakhlava is a type of sweet bread that is often served as a holiday treat. It's made with a rich, yeast-risen dough that is filled with nuts and spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The dough is then rolled out thinly and cut into diamond-shaped pieces before being baked. Once it comes out of the oven, Georgian pakhlava is dipped in sugar syrup and left to soak until it's fully saturated. This dish is best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Georgia may be a small country, but its cuisine packs a big flavor punch. If you're looking to spice up your meals, then look no further than Georgian dishes. From cheesy bread to hearty meat dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Find all your online Georgian groceries at Suneli Valley, we are an online retailer of Georgian spices, herbs, and other ingredients. Visit our website to order seasonings and spices today.
