Glossary P
Pelmenis refer to one of Russia's most traditional dishes. They are also called Siberian dumplings with fillings usually pork. The filling is wrapped in unleavened dough made from flour, water and sometimes egg. Pelmeni is said to be originated from Tartastan in Siberia, but some people believe that they originated from China, hence the use of spices. The filling of Pelmenis is typically of the meatball-type mixture.
The Russian Palmenis are traditionally made of flour, milk, one egg, and salt. The dough is rolled out fairly thin, and cut in circles approximately two inches in diameter. The filling is usually a mixture of minced pork, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pork is often preferred because it makes for a very tender and juicy Pelmeni, as they should never be dry.
Pelmenis are close relatives of "Pot tickers," "Pierogies," Dimsum (Chinese dumplings) and other similar dumplings found in many cultures.
Pkhali refers to the generic term for numerous vegetable pates/paste made with ground walnuts from Georgia. It is usually made from spinach, garlic and walnuts. Pkhali is an excellent partner of Tonis Puri or Khachapuri.
Georgia is a small country in the Caucasus, surrounded on the north by Russia, on the east by Azerbaijan, on the south by Armenia and Turkey, and on the west by the Black Sea.