What it is
Megrelian walnut kharcho is meat cooked in a thick sauce of ground walnuts, coriander, garlic and vinegar. Its distinctive heat comes from smoked ajika, a chilli paste made especially for the dish. It is different from the better-known beef and rice kharcho soup.
Around Georgia
In Samegrelo it is eaten with ghomi, a soft cornmeal porridge that balances the spice. Megrelians like to say it should be hot enough to burn through the tablecloth. Kitchens elsewhere sometimes use bell peppers instead of ajika, which makes a milder, different dish.
At the table
How to order it
Order ghomi or elarji alongside it. Ask how spicy the kitchen makes it, especially outside Samegrelo.
What's in it
Meat, walnuts, garlic and chilli. Not vegetarian, and not suitable for nut allergies. Recipes vary, so confirm ingredients with the kitchen if you have an allergy or dietary need.
