Georgian Food: An Unknown Cuisine

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Most people now associate Georgia (the country, not state) with images of war, Russian tanks, politicians, and oodles of political analysis on what this conflict means for the future of East-West relations. But there are many softer sides of Georgia. Its unique cuisine is just one of them.

I had never heard of Georgian food until moving to Prague, Czech Republic seven years ago.  While it is virtually unknown in the west Georgian cuisine is famous throughout the former Soviet Union. And for good reason, too.  

After eating my way through Georgia for over a month last year, including some impromptu cooking lessons at a friend's vineyard, I share my Georgian cuisine favorites. You'll notice a trend of walnuts, garlic, fresh herbs and cheese.

Khajapuri - a gooey cheese-stuffed bread that oozes and drips with heart-stopping goodness. It's the ultimate comfort food.

Khingkale – while sometimes described as the Georgian version of dumplings or ravioli, khingkale is so much more. They are beautifully twisted knobs of dough, usually stuffed with meat and spices and steamed to perfection. Some restaurants now offer vegetarian options as well. It's a bit of a challenge to eat without burning yourself with the hot broth inside, so take caution on that first bite.

Watch a fun video from moineau15 on making khingkale.

Badrijan Nigzit – thinly sliced roasted eggplant strips, topped with walnut paste. Sweet and savory. Delicious as an appetizer or side dish.

Pkhali – a rich paste made from spinach, walnuts, and garlic. Excellent with tonis puri (Georgian flat bread) or khajapuri.

Lobio– a cross between bean soup and refried beans with some ground walnuts thrown in. It has a slight resemblance to Mexican bean dishes because of the use of cilantro and herbs. Hearty and satisfying.

Puri (Tonis Puri) – traditional Georgian flat bread, a perfect accompany to any meal or just a meal on its own. It's that good. Baked in a ceramic oven with the dough stuck to the side - similar to an Indian tandoori over (for making naan) - it comes out crunchy on the sides and soft in the middle.

If you're looking to experiment in the kitchen, you can find some great Georgian recipes at Delicious Georgian Cuisine.

More on Georgian cuisine can be found at Uncornered Market, including a photo gallery of Georgian food and markets.