Chanakhi facts for kids
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| Type | Stew |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Lamb, tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes, garlic, greens |
Chanakhi (Georgian: ჩანახი) is a yummy and traditional dish from Georgia. Georgia is a country located in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Chanakhi is a type of stew, which means it's a dish cooked slowly in liquid. It's made with lamb meat, lots of fresh tomatoes, aubergines (also known as eggplant), potatoes, green herbs, and garlic. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's popular in Georgian homes.
How Chanakhi is Made
Chanakhi is often cooked in special individual clay pots. These pots help the food cook slowly and evenly, making it extra delicious. First, pieces of lamb are placed inside the pot. Sometimes, a little melted butter is added too.
Next, different layers of vegetables are carefully placed on top of the lamb. These layers usually include sliced onions, aubergines, potatoes, chopped green herbs, and fresh tomatoes. After all the ingredients are in the pot, water is poured in.
The pots are then put into an oven and cooked very slowly for a long time. This can take about 4.5 to 5 hours! This slow cooking allows all the flavors to mix together perfectly, making the lamb very tender and the vegetables soft and tasty.
Serving Chanakhi
Once Chanakhi is ready, it's usually served right in the clay pot it was cooked in. This keeps the dish warm and adds to the traditional feel. People often enjoy Chanakhi with fresh bread, which is great for soaking up the delicious juices. Sometimes, cheese is also served alongside it. It's a comforting meal, especially popular during colder months.
