Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)
Khinkali are large, twisted dumplings originating from Georgia, typically filled with spiced meat and broth. They are a beloved national dish, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of black pepper.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 ml Water(lukewarm)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 300 g Ground beef
- 200 g Ground lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)
- 100 ml Beef broth
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine ground beef, lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix well. Gradually add beef broth, mixing until the filling is moist and slightly soupy. This broth is key to the juicy interior.
- 3
Assemble the khinkali: Divide the dough into small, equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- 4
Form the dumplings: Gather the edges of the dough up around the filling, pleating as you go to create a twisted top knot. Ensure the bottom is sealed to prevent leakage. The characteristic 'tail' or 'handle' is formed at the top.
- 5
Cook the khinkali: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the khinkali, ensuring they don't stick to each other or the bottom of the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings float and the dough is cooked through.
- 6
Serve: Remove khinkali with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately, sprinkled generously with black pepper. Traditionally, the top knot is held to eat the dumpling, and the knot itself is discarded.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The dough should be firm but pliable.
- ✓Don't overfill the dumplings, or they may burst.
- ✓The broth in the filling is crucial for a juicy inside.
- ✓Cook khinkali in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian filling: Use a mixture of mushrooms, potatoes, and herbs.
- Cheese filling: Incorporate sulguni cheese into the meat filling.
- Spicier version: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.