Cuisine Focus – Georgian – A Self-Made Cuisine

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A country is not only defined by its heritage, it is likewise defined by its food. This is also applicable to regions and states where individual tastes and preferences vary depending on character, belief or tradition. Surely, each of us has our own favorite dish. Russians may always yearn for Beef Stroganoff while the English may somehow prefer Steak. Nevertheless, Georgian cuisine is just like this- personal and self-made.

This is because Georgians make use of locally-available ingredients. They are into utilizing familiar resources together with other known items. The secret lies in the manner of food preparation and discretion regarding flavors and tastes. Moreover, Georgian cooks always try to work within its means to successfully come up with recipes.

Georgian food has every right to be called as a ‘national cuisine.’ It refers to the cooking styles and workings that is inherent in Georgia and no place else. It is very specific to Georgia and is known for being true to its roots due to minimal foreign influences. It likewise offers a variety of dishes that are usually identified because of its extensive use of spices and herbs.

The significance of food is evident in every Georgian tradition and feast. At times when celebrations are being held, one could expect an assortment of great food that is thoroughly prepared and served. They also regard these celebrations as esteemed and worthy, which is why they commit a lot of time and effort just to make things happen.

Ingredients Utilized in Georgian Cuisine

Meat:

Lamb, Mutton, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Game Meat (Boar)

Seafood:

Salmon, Flounder, Sole

Vegetables:

Potatoes, Pickles, Cucumber, Eggplant, Tomato, Onions, Peppers, Cabbage, Beets, Beans

Spices and Herbs:

Saffron, Cayenne, Dill, Cilantro, Cloves, Bay Leaf, All Spice, Paprika, Caraway seeds, Parsley

Dairy:

Eggs, Cheese

Nuts:

Walnuts

Fruits:

Lemons, Grapes, Plums

Georgian food has an array of great-tasting appetizers, most of which are salty and spicy due to its prevalent use of cheese. Meat dishes, on the other hand, presents the popular Country Beef Stew, which makes use of ingredients namely tomatoes, cucumber, grape wine and parsley. Chanahi is another favorite, where sliced onions, potatoes, eggplants, pepper and varied greens are cooked together with lamb slices. Georgian cuisine is also popular because of its salads and vegetable-based recipes. The Beet Salad and Georgian Garlic Salad are some of the favorites, featuring walnuts, garlic and beets.

Indeed, Georgians have created a wonderful palette of colors and textures through its food creations and specialties. Not only was it successful in reliving the Georgian culture but is likewise triumphant in concocting internationally-known recipes. The cooking styles and dishes may have had its roots in Georgian ground but you can say that their passion for anything culinary never ceases, mainly because the people are great and committed enough to share it with the world.

Authentic Georgian Recipes

Chanakhi, Braised Lamb (Georgian Manner)

Recipe Source: sisauri.tripod.com

Ingredients:

500 g lamb
750 g potatoes
200 g tomatoes
300 g eggplant
200 g string beans
1 onion
Salt, pepper
Parsley or kindza (coriander)

Method:

Wash the meat and cut into pieces (2 or 3 per portion). If available, use a 2 or 3 litre stoneware casserole. Add finely chopped onion, chunks of potatoes, tomatoes cut in half, string beans from which the strings have been removed, diced eggplant, parsley greens or kindza. Season with salt and pepper. Add two cupful of water. Cover with a lid and bake for 1  to 2 hours. Serve in the casserole.

Georgian Egg Salad (AZELILA) (low carb)

Recipe Source: food.com