Blue fenugreek (utskho-suneli)

Satsivi is a jewel of Georgian cuisine, a dish embodying the richness of flavors and aromas of the Caucasus. It is an exquisite sauce made from walnuts, spices, and tender chicken that surprises with its depth of flavor despite its simplicity. Traditionally served cold, satsivi allows the ingredients to fully express themselves. The spiced walnut paste gives the meat a velvety texture while pomegranate seeds add a hint of acidity and sophistication. Originally prepared for holidays and feasts, it symbolizes the hospitality and culinary art of Georgian chefs. Modern adaptations allow for quick preparation without losing its authentic taste and soulfulness. A great choice for those wanting to experience Georgian hospitality without spending long hours in the kitchen.

Quick chakhokhbili is a simplified version of the traditional Georgian dish where chicken simmers in a fragrant sauce with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and spices. Historically, chakhokhbili was made from pheasant, but over time chicken became a popular alternative. This recipe retains the rich flavor of the original while making the cooking process more accessible and quicker. The dish has a rich aroma of ucho-suneli and garlic, while walnuts add a pleasant texture. Chakhokhbili is perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. It pairs excellently with fresh herbs and hot lavash, creating a true culinary symphony of Georgian flavors. Juicy meat, spicy seasonings, and tomato tang make it unforgettable.

Pkhali made from beets and beet greens is a traditional dish of Georgian cuisine that embodies the harmony of flavors and textures. These bright vegetable balls are filled with the aroma of nuts, coriander, and ucho-suneli. The history of pkhali goes back centuries when Georgian housewives sought to create a nutritious and easy-to-make dish from available ingredients. Beets give pkhali natural sweetness and juiciness, while the greens add freshness and a slight bitterness. Walnuts enrich the dish's structure, making it rich and nutritious. Pkhali is served chilled, garnished with pomegranate seeds and cilantro leaves, highlighting its exquisite taste. It is perfect as an appetizer for a festive table or as a standalone dish that combines simplicity and elegance of Georgian cuisine.

Turkey appetizer is a refined dish of European cuisine that perfectly combines tender poultry meat and spicy seasonings. This recipe is inspired by the traditions of Georgian and Mediterranean cuisines, where ucho-suneli and saffron add a subtle depth of flavor. The light spiciness of ground chili and mustard oil highlights the juiciness of the turkey, while roasting in a hot pan creates an appetizing crust. The dish is perfect as an exquisite appetizer for a festive table or as a light yet nutritious treat with a glass of white wine. This appetizer offers harmony of aromas and textures, where spices reveal the full palette of flavors, leaving a delicate, warming aftertaste. The ideal combination of simplicity and gastronomic art will delight both lovers of classic cuisine and gourmets.

Chashushuli is one of the most popular Georgian meat dishes, traditionally made from beef. Its name comes from the Georgian word 'chashusha,' meaning 'spicy,' which fully reflects its rich spicy flavor. The dish is prepared by stewing, making the meat incredibly tender and the sauce thick and aromatic. Key ingredients like ucho-suneli, adjika, and fresh cilantro give chashushuli a unique character of Caucasian cuisine. This dish pairs perfectly with lavash or fresh bread that absorbs the rich tomato-spicy sauce. Chashushuli is traditionally served at large feasts or family gatherings, and its vibrant taste and fragrant spices make it an indispensable part of Georgian culinary culture.

Ilya Cherkashin, chef of the Saviv restaurant, shared the recipe with us.

The chef of the restaurant "Erti" shared the recipe with us.

Eggplant and chickpea hummus is a refined dish inspired by Arab traditions, where classic hummus takes on new flavor nuances. The creamy texture of chickpeas combines with tender, slightly caramelized eggplants to create a rich and complex taste. The addition of ucho-suneli and garlic gives the dish warm spicy notes, while lemon juice refreshes and balances the aromas. This hummus can be served as a standalone appetizer with pita or used as a dip for vegetables and meat. With its rich flavor and healthy ingredients, it is perfect for a nutritious snack. The recipe's origins lie in Arab cuisine, where the love for chickpeas and eggplants has created many variations of this dish. Such hummus not only delights the palate but also offers the comfort of Eastern traditions.

Quail in the oven is an exquisite delicacy that combines the tenderness of meat with the depth of spice aromas. This recipe is infused with an authorial approach where culinary traditions meet creativity. The marinade made from coconut milk, soy sauce, and ucho-suneli adds a piquant flavor with a hint of sweetness, while baking in foil preserves the quails' juiciness. Wine vinegar adds a subtle acidity that harmonizes with spicy garlic and mustard. The golden crust formed during final baking makes each serving appetizing and crispy. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special celebrations, impressing with both its taste and elegant presentation.

Eggplant caviar Crimean style is a bright representative of traditional Crimean cuisine, embodying the richness of southern vegetables and aromatic spices. This recipe combines the tender flesh of baked eggplant, the sweetness of peppers and tomatoes with spicy notes of ucho-suneli and lemon pepper. Its origin is rooted in Crimean traditions of summer feasts where vegetables are baked to enhance their rich flavor. The caviar features a soft texture and a harmonious balance of sour, sweet, and spicy. It perfectly complements fresh bread, cheese or meat dishes. It can be served as a cold appetizer or warm paste with the main course, enjoying the aromas of Mediterranean summer.

Khatuna Kolbaya, owner of Saperavi Café, shared the recipe with us.

Rustic potato with sesame is a dish filled with the aroma of country cuisine, simplicity, and rich flavor. Baked potatoes covered with a golden crust are enriched with a mix of spices, garlic, and sesame, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The recipe has its roots in Russian rural cuisine where simple and accessible ingredients turn into true culinary masterpieces. The dish's feature is the crispy crust combined with a soft, crumbly center and the spicy taste of garlic and ucho-suneli. It is perfect as an independent treat or as a side dish to meat or fish, filling the meal with coziness and home warmth.

The recipe was shared with us by Khatuna Kolbaya, owner of Saperavi Cafe.

The recipe was shared with us by Gaik Egiazaryan, chef of the Erti restaurant.

Spicy turkey breast baked in foil is a blend of rich spice aroma and tender, juicy meat. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional marinating techniques that reveal the full depth of turkey flavor. Mustard oil adds a slight sharpness and tanginess to the dish, while ucho-suneli adds an Eastern note. Onion, chili pepper, and black pepper create the perfect balance of spiciness. Baking in foil retains the meat's juices, making it soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Unwrapping the foil at the end allows for a golden crust that pleasantly crunches with each bite. This dish is perfect for a festive dinner or cozy family lunch and pairs well with fresh vegetables and light sauces that highlight its rich flavor.