Chvishtari – Georgian Cornbread with Cheese Recipe

Georgian steampunk recipes — classic dishes reimagined with storytelling and flavor.

Intro/Story

In the Chrononaut’s forge, Chvishtari sizzles like golden gears on a copper plate. Cornmeal fused with molten cheese creates a bread of invention – rustic yet elastic, echoing the hum of steam engines and the warmth of brass lanterns.

Chvishtari (Georgian: ჭვიშტარი) is a traditional Georgian cornbread enriched with cheese, most commonly sulguni. Unlike plain mchadi, Chvishtari incorporates grated cheese directly into the dough, giving it a rich, savory flavor and soft texture. It is considered a popular snack and side dish in western Georgia, often served warm with stews, beans, or enjoyed on its own.

Recipe Categories

• Starters
• Soup & Stews
• Main Dishes
• Desserts
• Cocktails
• Snacks

Ingredients

• 300 g cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
• 200 ml warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 150 g sulguni cheese (or mozzarella + feta mix)
• Oil or butter for frying

Preparation

1. Mix cornmeal with salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a thick dough forms.
3. Add grated cheese and mix well.
4. Shape into small patties or disks.
5. Heat oil or butter in a pan.
6. Fry patties on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides (about 5–7 minutes per side).
7. Serve warm with beans, cheese, or stews.

Nutritional Facts (per piece)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 5 g

Tips & Variations

• Use mozzarella + feta if sulguni is unavailable.
• Add herbs (dill, parsley) for freshness.
• Bake instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Serve with lobio (bean stew) or pickled vegetables.

Next Steps

Do you like our recipe? You can find more recipes in the Snack Category here.