Georgian Spinach and Walnut Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely ground 1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely ground
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, finely chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and blanch for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. 2.
   Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach leaves and finely chop them.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ground walnuts, cilantro, parsley, dill, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and garnish with additional herbs and walnuts if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach leaves just until wilted to retain their vibrant green color and prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Walnuts — For the best texture, finely grind the walnuts using a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Avoid over-processing, as it may result in a paste-like consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or mayonnaise to the mixture.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
• Serve the Ispanakhis pkhali with warm bread or crackers for a delightful appetizer or as a side dish to complement a main course.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or basil to add your own twist to the recipe.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Georgian Spinach and Walnut Salad as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs well with warm bread or crackers. Garnish with additional herbs and walnuts for an extra touch of freshness and crunch.

Presentation advice

Present the Ispanakhis pkhali in a shallow serving dish, allowing the vibrant green color of the salad to shine through. Sprinkle some finely chopped herbs and crushed walnuts on top for an appealing visual contrast.