Georgian Khinkali: A Taste of the Caucasus Mountains
Georgian Khinkali
Steam rises from the pleated dumplings, their twisted tops peeking through the mist like tiny mountain peaks – a fitting image for a dish born in Georgia’s highlands.
Originally, these dumplings were filled with only spiced meat, a tradition dating back to the mountainous regions of Pshavi, Khevsureti, and Tusheti. As the dish traveled down to the valleys and cities, creative cooks added new variations, including mushrooms, potatoes, and cheese. But it’s the traditional meat version that still reigns supreme in Georgian homes and restaurants.
Nutritional Information Per Dumpling
Calories
190-200
Note: Values may vary depending on size and specific meat ratio used.
Ingredients for the Dough
Ingredients for the Filling
-
Ground beef and pork mix (70/30 ratio): 1 pound (0.5 kg)
-
Onion, finely minced: 1 medium
-
Minced garlic: 4 cloves
-
Warm water: 1/2 cup
-
Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon
-
Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
-
Salt: 1.5 teaspoons
-
Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
-
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
-
Ground black pepper: for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
2. Make the Filling
3. Roll the Dough
4. Shape the Khinkali
5. Cook with Care
6. Serve
The Art of Eating Khinkali
There’s an unwritten rule about eating khinkali: use your hands. Grab the dumpling by its topknot, turn it upside down, and take a small bite from the side. Suck out the broth before continuing – this is the best part! The top knot isn’t typically eaten; it’s left on the plate as a way to count how many you’ve conquered.
A word of caution: Don’t attempt to eat khinkali with a knife and fork. Not only will you lose the precious broth, but you might also earn disapproving looks from any Georgians present. These dumplings are meant to be a hands-on experience, a delicious reminder that some of the best foods can’t be eaten elegantly.
Remember, like any dumpling-making process, your first attempt might not look perfect. But with practice, you’ll master the pleating technique, and soon you’ll be creating these little parcels of joy like a true Georgian grandmother.
Disclaimer
Most of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @ffrecipes on social media and be sure to leave a review on the blog post
