Khinkali

Khinkali is a Georgian dumpling made of a twisted knob of dough stuffed with spiced minced meat, most often beef, pork or lamb, mixed with onion, chili pepper, cumin and salt, though vegetarian versions filled with mushrooms, potato or cheese are also common. The dumpling originated in the mountainous regions of eastern Georgia, particularly the historic provinces of Pshavi and Khevsureti north of Tbilisi, where shepherds and farmers developed it as a filling, portable meal suited to hard physical work in a cold climate. Khinkali is eaten by hand rather than with utensils, because a fork would puncture the dumpling and release the flavorful broth sealed inside during cooking; diners bite a small opening, sip the juices first, then eat the rest of the dumpling while leaving behind the thick twisted knot of dough at the top, which is not eaten and is used to count how many a diner has had. Originally food for mountain laborers, khinkali has since spread across Georgia as an everyday and celebratory dish alike, served in homes and restaurants throughout the country.