Georgian Spinach and Walnut Pkhali

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 200g (7 oz) walnuts, ground 200g (7 oz) walnuts, ground
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the spinach leaves for 1-2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach and chop it finely.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ground walnuts, minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, parsley, dill, ground coriander, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small patties or balls, and place them on a serving platter.
4. 4.
   Refrigerate the Spinach and Walnut Pkhali for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled as an appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Walnuts — Use freshly ground walnuts for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
• Serve the Pkhali with warm bread or crackers for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Make a larger batch and store the Pkhali in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for a quick and healthy snack option.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of ground walnuts and fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving advice

Serve the Spinach and Walnut Pkhali as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs well with warm bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. Arrange the patties or balls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of ground walnuts for an appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spinach and Walnut Pkhali on a vibrant platter to showcase its beautiful green color. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of ground walnuts for an elegant touch. Consider serving it alongside other Georgian dishes to create a visually stunning and culturally immersive dining experience.