Avar Khinkal with a Christmas Island Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Georgian flavors of Avar Khinkal are enhanced with the tropical ingredients commonly found in Christmas Island cuisine. The original dish typically uses a meat filling and is served with a tomato-based sauce. However, in this recipe, the filling is spiced with Christmas Island-inspired flavors like lemongrass and lime, and the sauce is transformed into a creamy coconut curry. These modifications infuse the dish with a unique tropical twist, making it a perfect fusion of Georgian and Christmas Island cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Avar khinkal, so you can check it out.

• For the dumplings: For the dumplings:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) 1/2 pound (225g) ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the coconut curry sauce: For the coconut curry sauce:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: Optional garnish:
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Lime wedges Lime wedges

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dumplings. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for the filling. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and bruised lemongrass. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the curry powder to the saucepan and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   While the sauce is simmering, divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle and fold the dough over to form a dumpling. Pinch the edges to seal.
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering coconut curry sauce. Cover the saucepan and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the lemongrass stalk from the sauce and stir in the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Avar Khinkal with the coconut curry sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release its flavor before adding it to the sauce.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier curry, add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat or even seafood for the filling to create your own unique twist.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat filling with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and mushrooms.
• If you can't find lemongrass, you can use a few strips of lime zest to add a citrusy flavor to the sauce.
• Serve the Avar Khinkal with a side of steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious curry sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Avar Khinkal with the coconut curry sauce in a deep bowl or plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is best enjoyed hot and can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings neatly in the bowl, with the curry sauce generously poured over them. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color. Place a lime wedge on the side of the bowl for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of steamed rice or naan bread.