Kuchmachi
Kuchmachi is a traditional Georgian dish made from various offal such as heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs of chicken, pork, or beef. It's typically seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, often includes walnuts, and is garnished with pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Mixed offal (heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs)(from chicken, pork, or beef)
- 1.5 liters Water
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 Garlic cloves(2 crushed for simmering, 2 minced for mixing)
- 4 Onions(chopped)
- 200 g Pig fat or butter
- 400 g Walnuts(finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 2 heaped tsp Dried summer savory
- 1 tsp Dried coriander
- 1 tsp Coarse hot pepper
- 1 tsp Blue fenugreek
- 40 g Fresh coriander(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- Pomegranate seeds(for garnish)
- Salt(to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Thoroughly wash the offal and cut into cubes. Place in a pot with bay leaves and 2 crushed garlic cloves. Add 1.5 liters of water, cover, and simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours, or until the offal is very tender. Stir occasionally and add more boiling water if it evaporates.
- 2
Once the offal is tender, drain it, reserving the cooking liquid. Let the offal cool slightly, then cut into very small pieces.
💡 Tip: Ensure the offal is cooked until very tender to make it easier to cut and digest. - 3
In a large pan, heat the pig fat or butter over low heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
- 4
Add the cut offal to the pan with the onions. Stir in the minced garlic, dried summer savory, dried coriander, coarse hot pepper, blue fenugreek, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes.
- 5
Add the chopped walnuts and white wine vinegar to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 6
Stir in the chopped fresh coriander. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved cooking liquid.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be moist but not soupy. - 7
Serve Kuchmachi hot, garnished with fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a combination of different offal provides a more complex flavor and texture.
- ✓Finely chopping the walnuts and offal is key to the dish's texture.
- ✓Pomegranate seeds add a crucial sweet and tart contrast to the rich, savory dish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes omit walnuts for a simpler version.
- Pork fat (lard) can be used for a more traditional flavor.