🥬 Spinach Pkhali (Georgian Spinach-Walnut Dip)

Cuisine: Georgian
Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Introduction

Spinach Pkhali (ისპანახის ფხალი) is one of the most beloved dishes in traditional Georgian cuisine. This simple yet elegant dish combines spinach with ground walnuts, garlic, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful, wholesome spread or salad.
It’s a vegan and Lenten-friendly recipe that perfectly represents the vibrant flavors of Georgia — earthy, nutty, tangy, and aromatic.

Pkhali is often served as part of a “Georgian Supra” (feast table) alongside other colorful vegetable dishes such as beetroot or cabbage pkhali. The addition of bright pomegranate seeds not only enhances the taste but also gives the dish its signature festive look.

🥗 Ingredients

• 1 ½ kg spinach

• 300 g walnuts

• 5 cloves garlic

• 7 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp ground red pepper

• 1 tsp ground marigold (safflower or turmeric substitute)

• 1 tsp ground blue fenugreek

• 2 medium white onions

• 50 g fresh cilantro

• 50 g fresh parsley

• Pomegranate seeds – for garnish

• 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Boil the spinach:
   Trim off the thick stems, wash thoroughly, and boil in salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool.

2. Drain and squeeze:
   Once cooled, squeeze the spinach by hand to remove any excess liquid.

3. Prepare the walnut paste:
   In a food processor (or meat grinder), grind the walnuts and garlic together. Add red pepper, marigold, blue fenugreek, salt, and vinegar. Mix until a smooth, thick paste forms.

4. Add herbs and onion:
   Finely chop the onions, cilantro, and parsley, then mix them into the walnut paste.

5. Combine with spinach:
   Grind or finely chop the spinach and add it to the walnut mixture. Mix well by hand until evenly combined. Let the mixture rest for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

6. Shape and serve:
   Form small round balls or patties, place them on a serving plate, and garnish generously with pomegranate seeds.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

Spinach Pkhali can be served cold or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with fresh Georgian bread (shotis puri), cheese platters, or as part of a mezze-style appetizer spread.

For an authentic Georgian experience, serve it with Saperavi red wine and other classics like Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste) and Khachapuri (cheese bread).

💚 Why You’ll Love It

• 100% vegan and gluten-free

• Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants

• Easy to make ahead — flavors improve as it rests

• A perfect balance of tangy, nutty, and herbal notes