SATSIVI with Turkey or Chicken (Traditional Recipe)

Traditional Georgian satsivi with chicken in creamy walnut sauce
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Prep Time: ~25 min
Cook Time: ~1,5 hours
Total: ~2 hours
Servings: 8-10
📖 INTRO

Satsivi is a classic Georgian dish made with poultry and a rich walnut-based sauce. This traditional recipe combines tender roasted poultry with aromatic spices, garlic, and ground walnuts, creating a deeply flavorful and authentic dish.

🏛️ HISTORY

Satsivi is a staple of Georgian cuisine, especially popular during festive occasions and traditional feasts known as supras. The dish originates from the Samegrelo region of Georgia and is characterized by its distinctive walnut sauce. It is typically served cold, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

🧂 INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for Georgian beet salad including beets, walnuts, garlic and fresh herbs
👨‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Clean and wash the poultry. Place it in a pot, add water, and boil until half cooked. Remove from the broth, place on a baking tray (or foil), and roast in the oven until fully cooked.

Boiled beets being peeled and grated for Georgian beet salad

Step 2

Skim the fat from the broth. Pass the onions through a meat grinder (or blend them), then sauté them in the broth fat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once lightly golden, add them back to the broth.

Walnuts and garlic being crushed into a coarse paste

Step 3

Grind the walnuts twice together with the garlic (or blend until smooth). Add ground saffron, salt, coriander, blue fenugreek, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.

Grated beets mixed with walnut and garlic mixture in a bowl

Step 4

Add warm broth to the walnut mixture and stir well until fully dissolved.

Adding vinegar and salt to beet salad and mixing thoroughly

Step 5

Place the mixture on low heat and cook gently. Once it starts to boil, continue cooking for 1–2 minutes only, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Fresh herbs being finely chopped and added to beet salad

Step 6

Add vinegar and adjust salt to taste.

Step 7

Cut the cooked poultry into pieces, place in a serving dish, and pour the walnut sauce over it. Let it cool and store in a cool place before serving.

Beet salad resting in a bowl to allow flavors to blend before serving
💡 TIPS
  • Grind the walnuts very finely for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Stir continuously while cooking the sauce to avoid sticking.
  • Let the dish rest well before serving — flavor improves significantly when cooled.
🌍 Ingredient Substitutes
  • Turkey → Chicken Chicken can be used instead of turkey and works just as well in this recipe.
  • Georgian saffron (marigold) → Turmeric (small amount) If Georgian saffron is unavailable, a small pinch of turmeric can provide similar color (use less to avoid overpowering the flavor).
  • Blue fenugreek (Utskho Suneli) → Fenugreek powder (very small amount) Regular fenugreek can be used carefully, as it has a stronger taste.
  • Walnuts → (No true substitute) Walnuts are essential for satsivi and cannot be authentically replaced, but in rare cases, cashews can be used for a milder version.
  • Vinegar → Pomegranate juice or lemon juice These can be used to add acidity and balance the richness of the sauce.
🍽️ NUTRITION (Approximate)
  • Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
  • High in protein and healthy fats
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
❓ FAQ
Can I skip roasting and just boil the poultry?

Roasting adds deeper flavor, but boiling alone can also be used.

What is Georgian saffron?

It refers to dried marigold petals, not true saffron.

How should it be served?

Traditionally cold or at room temperature.

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