Recipe

Stapilos Pkhali with a Twist

Savory Spinach and Walnut Spread: A Modern Twist on Stapilos Pkhali

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Georgian cuisine with this modern twist on Stapilos Pkhali. This recipe combines the traditional elements of the dish with a unique blend of ingredients, resulting in a savory spinach and walnut spread that is sure to impress.

Dip› Stapilos pkhali

Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Caucasian cuisine› Georgian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

1 minute (blanching the spinach)

Total time

80 minutes (including chilling time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo

Allergens

Walnuts

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free, Low-carb, Keto

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
200g (7 oz) walnuts, toasted 200g (7 oz) walnuts, toasted
1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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): 22g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 2g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
2.
In a food processor, combine the blanched spinach, toasted walnuts, chopped onion, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
3.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5.
Serve the savory spinach and walnut spread with bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and prevent it from becoming too wilted.
Walnuts — Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This will enhance their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For added texture, reserve a small portion of the toasted walnuts and sprinkle them on top of the spread before serving.
Experiment with different herbs such as dill or mint to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the mixture for a longer time in the food processor.

Serving advice

Serve the savory spinach and walnut spread on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Accompany it with warm crusty bread or a selection of crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, shape the spread into small quenelles using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.