In Georgia, meals are more than sustenance—they’re celebrations of friendship and family. The supra, a legendary feast guided by a toastmaster (tamada), is incomplete without platefuls of khinkali. Here’s how you can bring the warmth and conviviality of a Georgian feast to your own home.
Setting the Table
-
Seating Arrangement: Long tables encourage conversation. Seat guests on benches or close chairs to foster camaraderie.
-
Tableware: Use large platters for khinkali and small bowls for sauces. Provide cloth napkins—khinkali can be delightfully messy!
The Role of the Tamada (Toastmaster)
-
Opening Toasts: The tamada welcomes everyone, toasts the host, and sets the feast’s tone. Encourage guests to share their own heartfelt toasts.
-
Mid-Feast Toasts: Between courses, the tamada may invite toasts to health, friendship, or life’s simple pleasures.
Menu Highlights
-
Khinkali (Star Dish): Boiled for 13–15 minutes straight from frozen. Serve hot, encouraging guests to sip the broth before eating.
-
Satsivi: Cold chicken in walnut sauce—a contrasting texture and temperature.
-
Pkhali: Spinach and beet purées with pomegranate seeds for color and tang.
-
Georgian Bread & Cheese: Freshly baked lavash and tangy sulguni cheese rounds out the spread.
Finishing Touches
-
Wine Pairings: Georgian reds like Saperavi complement the meaty broth, while a crisp Tsinandali pairs well with vegetable sides.
-
Dessert: Honey-soaked churchkhela (nut-studded candy strings) or fruit preserves on bread close the meal on a sweet note.
