Khinkali, the famous Georgian dumplings, are loved for their juicy meat filling and the savory broth that bursts with every bite. Making them at home may seem a little challenging at first, but with a clear, step-by-step guide, it can be simple and even fun.

In this article, we’ll take you through the entire process—from preparing the dough to shaping the dumplings and finally enjoying them fresh from the pan.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

- 485g all-purpose flour

- 245ml warm water

- Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

- 220g minced meat

- 220g fresh meat

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1 slice of bread

- 55ml meat broth

- Small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

- Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Spices for Extra Flavor:

- 15g cumin (zir)

- Red chili, to taste

Having all ingredients ready makes the cooking process smoother and ensures a better final taste.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Cut the meat into small chunks.

2. Grind the meat, onion, and bread together using a meat grinder or finely chop by hand.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add meat broth, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and optional spices.

4. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and juicy.

5. Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl.

2. Create a small well in the center and gradually pour in warm water.

3. Add a pinch of salt and mix with your hands or a spoon to form a rough dough.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface in circular motions for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 25 minutes. Resting makes it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Roll and Cut Dough

1. Divide the rested dough into 4–5 portions.

2. Roll each portion into a thin layer about 5–7mm thick.

3. Use a glass or round cutter to cut out circles about 8–10cm in diameter.

4. Keep the dough circles covered with a towel so they don’t dry out.

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Khinkali

1. Place a spoonful of meat filling in the center of each dough circle.

2. Carefully lift the edges and fold upward, creating small pleats.

3. Pinch the top tightly to seal the filling inside and form the characteristic “tail.”

4. Ensure the dough is pinched firmly so that the juices stay inside during cooking.

Shaping the dumplings may take some practice, but once we get the pleats right, they look beautiful and hold the broth perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Khinkali

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Gently place the dumplings into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Cook for 12–15 minutes or until the dough is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

4. Remove the dumplings carefully with a slotted spoon.

5. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full burst of juices and flavor.

Step 6: Eat Like a Pro

1. Hold the dumpling by the top “tail.”

2. Take a small bite at the side to sip the flavorful broth first.

3. Eat the rest of the dumpling, leaving the top tail uneaten if desired.

4. Optionally, sprinkle black pepper on top for extra flavor.

Eating Khinkali is not just about taste—it’s about the combination of soft dough, juicy filling, and savory broth all in one bite.

Tips for Perfect Khinkali

- Use cold water in the dough for firmer texture.

- Avoid overfilling the dumplings to prevent bursting.

- Stir the boiling water regularly to keep them from sticking.

- Rest the dough properly to make rolling and shaping easier.

- Serve immediately for the best juiciness and flavor.

By following these simple tips, we can make our homemade Khinkali taste just like the ones in Georgia.

Enjoy Your Khinkali

Making Khinkali at home is fun, rewarding, and absolutely delicious. From preparing the juicy filling to shaping each dumpling and savoring the flavorful broth inside, every step adds to the experience. With a little practice, we can enjoy authentic Georgian Khinkali anytime we want. Let’s gather our ingredients, have fun shaping the dumplings, and enjoy the tasty results we made with our own hands!