meat

boiled

everyday

main course

juicy

Georgian

all seasons

Hot

recipe photorecipe photo

Georgian Khinkali Meat Dumplings

Difficulty

medium

Time

2h 5m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Khinkali, the national dish of Georgia, is a delicious meat dumpling, one of the most beloved dishes of Caucasian cuisine. These handmade dough parcels hide a spicy minced meat filling that transforms into a juicy broth during cooking. Traditionally, they are eaten by hand, holding the 'knot' at the top to ensure none of the precious broth is lost. Prepare this authentic recipe and bring the flavors of Georgia into your home!

ingredients

4 Servings

Steps

1

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the cold water and knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

2

Assemble the Filling

While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then gradually add the cold water or beef broth and work it in until the filling is juicy and homogeneous. This liquid will create the characteristic broth inside the khinkali.

3

Shape the Khinkali

Divide the rested dough into 3-4 portions. On a floured surface, roll out one portion thinly (about 2-3 mm thick). Use a 10-12 cm diameter cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place a heaping tablespoon (about 30-40 g) of filling in the center of each dough circle. Begin to pleat the edges of the dough, gathering them at the top to form a small 'knot' or 'cap'. Ensure the knot is tightly sealed with no gaps for the broth to escape. Repeat the process with all the dough and filling.

4

Cook and Serve

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully place the khinkali into the boiling water, 4-6 pieces at a time, to prevent them from sticking together. Gently stir to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is tender. Remove the cooked khinkali with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Traditionally, they are served sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper. Remember, the 'knot' is not eaten!

Extra Tips

When kneading the dough, avoid adding too much flour to keep it elastic and easy to work with.

The cold water or broth in the filling is crucial for a juicy interior, don't skip it!

When shaping the khinkali, make sure the 'knot' at the top is tightly sealed so the broth doesn't leak out during cooking.

Nutrition

Per 100gPer Serving
250g
Calories280 kcal700 kcal
Protein15g37.5g
Fat12g30g
Carbohydrate28g70g
Fiber1.5g3.75g
Sugar1g2.5g