Khinkali facts for kids
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| Alternative names | xinkali, hinkali |
|---|---|
| Type | Dumpling |
| Place of origin | Georgia |
| Region or state | Mtskheta-Mtianeti |
| Serving temperature | hot |
| Main ingredients | Filling: spiced meat (beef, pork, or lamb), herbs, carum, cumin, satureja, chili pepper, onions, and garlic. Cheese, potato, or mushroom fillings are alternatives to meat. |
Khinkali (Georgian: ხინკალი khink’ali) is a super popular dumpling from the country of Georgia. It's made from twisted dough pockets. These pockets are filled with yummy meat and spices.
Contents
What is Khinkali?
Khinkali is a type of dumpling. Dumplings are small pieces of dough that are cooked. They often have a filling inside. Khinkali is a special part of Georgian cuisine. It's known for its unique shape and juicy filling.
Ingredients and Flavors
The fillings for khinkali can be different depending on where you are in Georgia.
Traditional Fillings
The very first khinkali recipe was called khevsuruli. It used simple ingredients. These included minced meat, like lamb, beef, or pork. Onions, chili pepper, salt, and cumin were also added.
Modern Fillings
Today, in Georgian cities, people often make kalakuri khinkali. This version adds fresh herbs. Parsley and cilantro are common choices. Sometimes, you can find khinkali with other fillings too. These might include mushrooms, potatoes, or cheese instead of meat.
How to Eat Khinkali
Eating khinkali is a fun experience with its own rules!
The Juicy Secret
When khinkali is cooked, the meat inside releases its juices. This makes a delicious broth inside the dumpling. To make it even juicier, warm water or broth is often added to the meat filling before cooking.
First Bite Fun
The best way to eat khinkali is to suck out the juice first. This is like eating xiaolongbao, another type of juicy dumpling. Sucking the juice stops it from spilling everywhere.
The Kudi
The top part of the khinkali, where the dough is twisted, is called the kudi. This means "tail" in Georgian. It's usually a bit tough. Most people don't eat this part. They leave it on their plate. This way, you can count how many khinkali you've eaten!
Hands Only!
In Georgia, it's polite to eat khinkali with your bare hands. Using a fork is seen as incorrect or childish. If you use a fork, you might poke a hole in the dumpling. Then, all the yummy juice would spill out!
Where to Find Famous Khinkali
Some towns in Georgia are especially famous for their khinkali. These include Dusheti, Pasanauri, and Mtskheta. If you visit these places, you might find some of the best khinkali around!
See also
In Spanish: Jinkali para niños
