Due to my ignorance about Georgian food, I have no idea what the name of this dish is. So, I am going to call it Spinach-Walnut Balls. We had this at my friend Svetalana's house when we went over for dinner. Guys, this is Georgia ex-USSR not the south of USA! The meal was excellent and this was a first opportunity for Salil and I to sample authentic Russain food. When we go to Genya's house, its all about Halwa and Tea. His mom and aunts need to visit more often :). Svetlana had prepared quite a spread but for me, this dish was the star for the surprise quotient. I approched it gingerly....big green balls! But I took a bite and was blown away. Below is the recipe which Svetalana told me and I guessed from the taste and flavors.
Fresh Spinach - washed and boiled
Garlic
Walnuts
Pomagranate seeds
Salt and Pepper
Sauted finely chopped onions
I eyeball everything and the quantities below are my educated guesses. So, am hopping that some of you are like me and will figure out a way to make it.
Boil the fresh spinach leaves, squeez the water out and put in a blender. For about 2 cups of processed spinach, add one big clove of garlic. Process it in a blender. To the spinach mixture, add half a cup of onions sauted - just transparent and soft, dont let them turn brown. Add about a cup of ground walnuts and a tablespoon of pomogranate seeds. Season with salt and pepper and make into balls. Svetlana served them in a lettuce cup. I think it made a great side dish with our meal of beef and plum stew, salmon, bread with caviar and salmon-dill dip, russian salad with beets, carrots, potatoes and pickles and oven roasted rosemary potatoes. End of the meal was a mild green tea in Royal Albert tea-cups with a slice of a berry-torte.
Thanks Svetlana!
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