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Beet Pkhali balls served with walnuts and fresh cilantro
Georgian Beet Pkhali with Walnuts

Georgian Beet Pkhali with Walnuts

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Appetizers
Pkhali is a staple appetizer at Georgian feasts (supra). It is essentially a vegetable pâté made creamy and rich with ground walnuts, garlic, and distinctive Caucasian spices like coriander and fenugreek. The earthy sweetness of beets and the acidity of vinegar form a perfect balance with the oiliness of the nuts.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 40 mins
⌛ Total Time 55 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 320 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Georgian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor or meat grinder
  • Grater
  • Gloves (for beets)

Allergen Information

⚠️ Tree Nuts

Instructions

1 ✓

Wash beets and boil until tender (40-50 mins) or roast them for intense flavor. Once cool, peel and grate on the finest setting.

Tip: Roasting concentrates the natural sugars.
2 ✓

Squeeze the grated beets thoroughly with your hands. You need a nearly dry pulp.

Tip: Water is the enemy of pkhali.
3 ✓

Process walnuts, garlic, spices, and fresh cilantro in a food processor until you get a uniform, oily paste.

Tip: The walnut oil creates the creamy emulsion.
4 ✓

Mix the beets with the walnut paste, finely minced red onion, oil, and vinegar. Taste: it should be tart and nutty.

Tip: Let flavors meld in the fridge for 1 hour.
5 ✓

Form into balls, make a dimple in the center, and serve cold.

Tip: Garnish with pomegranate seeds or walnut halves.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the mixture runny?
You didn't squeeze the beets enough. Excess water dilutes the walnuts. You can thicken it with a little breadcrumbs or more walnuts.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium Beets
  • 1 cup Walnut Halves
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 small Red Onion
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil