Kartopili Nigvzit: Potato Salad with Walnuts

This is how I like to make the Georgian dish, Kartopili Nigvzit. Feel free to substitute coriander for parsley, dill or a mix of all three. You could also use red wine vinegar instead of white wine vinegar.



Kartopili Nigvzit: Potato Salad with Walnuts
serves 2-3 as a side

500g potatoes, peeled, cubed
1 L red onion, chopped
1/3 cup walnuts
2-3 cloves garlic
1/2 bunch coriander leaves, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp/20-40ml white wine vinegar, or to taste

Boil potatoes until tender.
Meanwhile, sauté onions in a little oil until soft.
Process or grind walnuts, garlic together.
Add coriander, vinegar to garlic & walnuts.
Stir well.
Add onion. Stir well.
Add drained potatoes to a large bowl.
Add garlic, walnut, onion, coriander, vinegar mix.
Stir really well.
Potatoes will start to break up.
Check for seasonings.
Serve garnished with coriander or parsley leaves.

Potato & Leek Soup

A classic creamy soup full of subtle flavours. I like to make mine vegan by using soy cream. I find it gives it a nice slightly nutty taste without being as overpowering as dairy cream.



Potato & Leek Soup
serves 3-4 as a main

800g potatoes, peeled, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
200g/approx. 2 L leeks (white part only), washed, sliced
1.3l vegetable stock
250ml soy cream
1/4 t ground nutmeg
fresh chives (optional)

In a large soup pot over med heat,
Cook leeks, garlic in a little oil until soft, about 5 mins.
Add potatoes. Stir well.
Add stock. Stir well.
Bring to boil.
Simmer 30-40 mins or until potatoes are tender.
Turn off heat.
Purée until quite smooth.
Put back on low heat.
Season with nutmeg, salt & pepper.
Stir through soy cream.
Cook gently over low heat for about 5 mins.
Serve garnished with fresh chives, if desired.

Tomato & Coriander Lentils

Tomato & Coriander Lentils
serves 2-3 as a main

400g brown or green lentils, washed
4 cloves garlic, crushed
125ml/1/2 cup red wine
1 bunch coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 XL red onion, diced
400g tin peeled tomatoes

Soak lentils, if need be.
Boil lentils 15 mins or to packet directions.
Drain. Set aside.
In a large pan over medium heat,
Cook garlic, onions until soft, about 5 mins.
Add wine, Stir well.
Cook 3-5 mins.
Add tomatoes, Stir well.
Try to break up whole tomatoes.
Add coriander. Stir well.
Add lentils. Stir well.
Cook 10-15 mins. Stirring often.
Season with salt & pepper.