Spinach Pkhali – Georgian Walnut Vegetable Balls

Ingredients:

Preparation mode:

👉 Pkhali are colorful Georgian vegetable-and-walnut balls, served cold as an appetizer. This spinach pkhali is the classic version: tender spinach mixed with a garlicky walnut paste, Georgian spices and fresh herbs, then topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds.

🇬🇪 What Is Pkhali?

Pkhali (ფხალი) is a whole family of Georgian dishes made from chopped vegetables bound with walnut paste. Besides spinach, Georgians make pkhali with beetroot, beet leaves, cabbage, leeks and green beans. It is a staple of every supra (feast) table and is naturally vegan.

🍳 How to Make Pkhali

1. Cook the spinach. Blanch the spinach in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, drain and cool. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands

2. Make the walnut paste. Grind the walnuts, garlic, cilantro, chili and salt in a food processor (or mortar) into a thick, oily paste

3. Season. Add the khmeli suneli, ground coriander, blue fenugreek and vinegar and mix well

4. Combine. Finely chop the spinach and mix it with the walnut paste and the chopped onion until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar

5. Shape. Form into small balls or patties, press a small dent in the top of each and fill it with pomegranate seeds. Chill for 30 minutes before serving

😋 Why You’ll Love Pkhali

Pkhali is fresh, nutty and full of flavor – healthy, vegan and beautiful on the table. It can be made a day ahead, which makes it perfect for parties.

💡 Tips for the Best Pkhali

• Squeeze the spinach very well, or the pkhali will be watery.
• Grind the walnuts until they release their oil – that is what holds the balls together.
• Make several colors (spinach, beet, cabbage) for a stunning platter.
• Blue fenugreek gives the authentic Georgian aroma – find it in Georgian or Eastern European shops.

🍽️ How to Serve Pkhali

Serve cold with fresh Georgian bread or mchadi, alongside badrijani nigvzit and other cold appetizers. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

❓ Pkhali FAQ

Is pkhali vegan?
Yes – it contains only vegetables, walnuts, herbs and spices.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes – thaw it and squeeze out all the water before mixing.

👉 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: Pkhali, Badrijani and Ajika by salvagekat, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped and color-adjusted by Cuisines Guide.