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Mchadi – Georgian Cornbread Cakes

Ingredients:

Cornmeal

500 Grams

fine or medium

Warm water

300 Milliliters

approximately

Salt

1 Teaspoons

Sunflower oil

2 Tablespoons

for the pan

Preparation mode:

👉 Mchadi are simple Georgian cornbread cakes made from just cornmeal, water and salt. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are the traditional partner for lobio, pkhali and cheese in western Georgia.

🇬🇪 What Is Mchadi?

Mchadi (მჭადი) is the everyday bread of western Georgia, especially Imereti and Samegrelo. It was traditionally baked in clay pans called ketsi over an open fire. Because it contains no wheat, it is naturally gluten-free.

🍳 How to Make Mchadi

1. Make the dough. Mix the cornmeal and salt, then gradually add warm water while kneading until you have a dough that holds its shape when squeezed

2. Rest. Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes

3. Shape. With wet hands, shape the dough into oval cakes about 1.5 cm thick

4. Cook. Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron pan over medium heat. Cook the cakes for 5–7 minutes per side, covered, until golden and crisp

5. Serve. Serve warm

😋 Why You’ll Love Mchadi

They take minutes to make, need only three ingredients and are the perfect crispy match for creamy beans or salty cheese.

💡 Tips for the Best Mchadi

Wet your hands to stop the dough from sticking.
Don’t make them too thick, or the middle stays raw.
Cook covered for a soft inside.
Mix grated cheese into the dough for a cheesy version.

🍽️ How to Serve Mchadi

Serve warm with lobio, pkhali, sulguni cheese and fresh herbs. Best eaten the same day.

❓ Mchadi FAQ

Is mchadi gluten-free?
Yes – it is made only from cornmeal, water and salt.

Can I bake mchadi in the oven?
Yes – bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes, turning once.

👉 Learn more about Georgian cuisine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgian_cuisine

More Georgian recipes on my website:
👉 https://cuisinesguide.com/recipe-cuisine/georgian-cuisine/
👉 Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread)
👉 Chicken Shkmeruli – Georgian Garlic Chicken

Footnotes:

Photo: Mchadi 2 by Georgian Recipes at Georgia About, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Cropped and color-adjusted by Cuisines Guide.