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Chrononaut’s Spinach Pkhali – Georgian national dish with spinach and beetroot

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.

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 Parameters

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Preparation

  1. Blanch the spinach briefly, drain and chop finely.
  2. Mix the walnuts, garlic, onion and spices into a paste.
  3. Mix the spinach into the walnut mixture and season with vinegar/lemon juice.
  4. Form small balls and arrange on a plate.
  5. 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.

Do you like Georgian food? You can find more recipes from Georgia here.

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© 2026 Verne Collection – vernecollection.com
© 2026 Verne Collection – vernecollection.com
© 2026 Verne Collection – vernecollection.com
© 2026 Verne Collection – vernecollection.com
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Recipes and cocktails featured on this website are provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Some recipes and cocktails may contain alcohol and/or dry ice. Alcoholic beverages are intended only for adults of legal drinking age in their respective country. Please drink responsibly. Dry ice must be handled with care. It should never be ingested and must be used only in well‑ventilated areas. Always follow safety guidelines when handling dry ice to avoid injury.

Recipes and cocktails may also contain common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, or eggs. Individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions should carefully review ingredients and consult with a qualified professional if necessary.

Cooking involves the use of heat, sharp utensils, and kitchen equipment. Please exercise caution when preparing recipes to avoid burns, cuts, or other injuries. Always follow proper safety practices in the kitchen.

The author assumes no responsibility for any adverse reactions, health issues, injuries, or outcomes resulting from the preparation or consumption of these recipes and cocktails.

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