Discover how to make Khinkali, traditional Georgian dumplings that are larger than mantu and packed with savory, spiced meat. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making these flavorful, juicy dumplings from scratch, perfect for impressing your family and friends with an authentic taste of Georgian cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1 egg

- 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1/2 tsp paprika

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the egg and warm water. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

  - In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. If desired, add fresh parsley or cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Assemble the Khinkali:

  - Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into circles of about 4 inches in diameter.

  - Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating and pinching to seal the dumpling at the top. Ensure that the filling is securely enclosed.

Cook the Khinkali:

  - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.

  - Cook the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is cooked through.

Serve:

  - Remove the Khinkali from the water with a slotted spoon. Serve hot with a side of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.

Enjoy your homemade Khinkali, a delicious taste of Georgian tradition!

Nutritional values

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups)

 - Approximately 455 calories

 - 13g protein

 - 95g carbohydrates

 - 1g fat

Total for 4 cups:

 - Approximately 1,820 calories

 - 52g protein

 - 380g carbohydrates

 - 4g fat

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates, and some protein and fiber. 

Warm Water (1 cup):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Hydrates the dough, helps gluten development.

Egg (1 large):

 - Approximately 70 calories

 - 6g protein

 - 0.6g carbohydrates

 - 5g fat

Benefits: Adds protein, essential amino acids, and healthy fats. Supports muscle growth and repair.

Salt (1 tsp):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation due to sodium content.

For the Filling:

Ground Beef (1 lb, or 450g):

 - Approximately 250 calories

 - 26g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 17g fat

Total for 1 lb:

 - Approximately 1,125 calories

 - 117g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 77g fat

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels.

Onion (1 large, finely chopped):

 - Approximately 45 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 11g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, contains antioxidants, supports heart health and immune function.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

 - Approximately 4 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, supports immune health, and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beef Broth (1/2 cup):

 - Approximately 15 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor and moisture to the filling, provides some protein and minerals.

Ground Cumin (1 tsp):

 - Approximately 8 calories

 - 0.4g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0.4g fat

Benefits: Adds a warm, earthy flavor, aids in digestion, and contains antioxidants.

Ground Coriander (1 tsp):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0.3g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0.3g fat

Benefits: Adds a citrusy flavor, supports digestion, and contains antioxidants.

Paprika (1/2 tsp):

 - Approximately 3 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 0.6g carbohydrates

 - 0.3g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor and color, contains antioxidants like vitamin A and C.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)**:

Salt:

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Black Pepper:

 - Approximately 6 calories per teaspoon

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use salt in moderation due to sodium content, while pepper adds minimal calories but enhances taste.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional):

Parsley (1/4 cup):

 - Approximately 5 calories

 - 0.5g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds freshness, provides vitamins A, C, and K, and contains antioxidants.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and nutritious filling for your recipe, with the dough providing a satisfying base.