Georgian steampunk recipes — classic dishes reimagined with storytelling and flavor.
Intro/Story
Chrononaut’s Spinach Pkhali – The Starter for Time Travelers : Pkhali (ფხალი) is far more than a simple appetizer; it is a dish deeply rooted in Georgia’s history, reflecting ingenuity and a close bond with nature. Its origins trace back to ancient times, when wild herbs were chopped into nourishing meals. Over centuries, Pkhali evolved from humble fasting food into a festive symbol of Georgian hospitality, refined with walnuts, garlic, vinegar, and aromatic spices.
In the Chrononauts’ engine room, a light starter is essential. This Georgian spinach variation combines ancient tradition with mechanical sophistication: green spheres of spinach and walnuts, garnished with pomegranate seeds, provide energy across eras. Served with gear‑shaped crackers, it becomes a tribute to time travelers – a vegan classic that bridges history and imagination.
According to Catherine Pkhali, this is one of the most famous Georgian national dishes and is easy to prepare, so I chose it for my first Georgian cooking session. I made two versions of the traditional paste made from walnuts, coriander, and garlic—one with spinach and one with beetroot. As a side dish, I made classic eggplant rolls filled with another walnut paste and garnished with pomegranate seeds.
Recipe Categories
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 150 g walnuts, finely ground
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (coriander or parsley) for garnishing
- Optional: pomegranate seeds, gear-shaped crackers
Preparation
- Blanch the spinach briefly, drain and chop finely.
- Mix the walnuts, garlic, onion and spices into a paste.
- Mix the spinach into the walnut mixture and season with vinegar/lemon juice.
- Form small balls and arrange on a plate.
- Garnish with herbs and pomegranate seeds and serve with gear-shaped crackers.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories ~220 kcal
- Protein ~6 g
- Fat ~18 g
- Carbohydrates ~8 g
- Fiber ~3 g
Tips & Variations
- Serve in copper molds for maximum steampunk effect.
- Pomegranate seeds add color and freshness.
- For more crunch: gear-shaped crackers made from rye or sesame.
Next Steps
Do you like our recipe? You can find more recipes in the Starters category here.