Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Georgian vegetarian dish combining finely chopped mountain herbs and walnuts, dressed with pomegranate seeds for a fresh, nutty, and tangy flavor. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs walnuts, fresh cilantro leaves, fresh parsley leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 1 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, then transfer to a food processor.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 3 chopped green onions, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the food processor with the walnuts. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to a bowl, stir in 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground fenugreek, 1 tsp salt, and 2-3 tbsp water to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency.
  4. Step 4: Chill the pkhali in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds over the top for a burst of color and tangy sweetness. Serve with fresh bread or as a side salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep walnuts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Savory Georgian Mountain Herb and Walnut Pkhali vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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