CULINARY

Not a hobby per se, but rather a hedonistic pleasure of having a well prepared dish with a glass of dry red or white wine. I love to cook myself and mostly prefer staying in and making a dish over going out. In this section I will introduce you to some of my most favorite dishes and wines.

Khachapuri

There are many different types and variations of Khachapuri. I personally like classical Khachapuri types the most and my absolutely favorite ones are listed below. To my taste Khachapuri goes well with red dry wine. The word "khacho" in Georgian means cheese and "puri" means bread.

Megruli Khachapuri

No wonder Megruli Khachapuri is number one for me, since I am megrel myself. Unlike other types of Khachapuri, not only does Megruli have cheese inside, but it is also topped with it. Sometimes topping cheese is mixed with eggs.

Ajaruli Khachapuri

Probably the most known in the US and there are a lot a variations of the original recipe, however I prefer the classic. In the US they call it Gondola, because of the shape. Row boat shaped dough is being filled with Georgian cheese mix and baked. Right after oven put a raw egg on top of the boiling cheese, mix it with the cheese, cut off and dunk pie edges into the mix. Shameless joy.

Penovani Khachapuri

Made with puff pastry and filled with different types of Georgian cheese. Makes my mouth water when I think about it.

Khinkali

In English they call them dumplings, although I think Khinkali is much more than just a dumpling. Again there are different variations, but let me share my favorite recipe. Thin dough pouch filled with a mix of ground beef and pork with Georgian spices. Dough must be thin and hard enough not to open during boiling. When ready I love to sprinkle a lot of black pepper on it, bite off an edge, drink the juice and then animalistically enjoy consumption process followed by a glass of dry red wine, - blissful joy.

Sacivi

In our family sacivi was always part of New Years Eve festive table. They usually don't cook it often as it requires a lot of time and effort. In short sacivi is a dish made from turkey of chicken in a walnut sauce, however trust me, it is a lot more complicated than it sounds. At some point in the future I might post a full recipe here, as I didn't find full recipe in English, I would want to refer to.

Pkhali

Pkhali may be based on one of the three main ingredients, - spinach, beans or beets. Spinach Pkhali is my favorite. It is made of minced spinach with ground walnuts, vinegar, onions, garlic and herbs. Pkhali goes very well with the most of other Georgian dishes as a garnish or an appetizer.

Sushi

World wide known and loved by many. Sushi comes in huge variety. I personally prefer Sushi with rice, salmon, avocado and nothing more but soy sauce on the side. Together with caviar and ice cold, refined, exquisite vodka one may reach pinnacle of pleasure.

Filet Mignon

Medium rare Filet Mignon with a glass of red wine is a pure pleasure.

Carpaccio

Very fresh, thin sliced, raw beef or veal served with fresh arugula, pine nuts, a little bit or parmesan cheese and a mix of orange juice and olive oil. Just like they serve it in my favorite restaurant in Frankfurt: Fontana di Trevi.