Churchkhela

Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian candy that is often described as a sausage-shaped candy. The main ingredients are grape must, nuts, and flour. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnut, and chocolate and sometimes raisins are threaded onto a string, dipped in thickened grape juice or fruit juices and dried in the shape of a sausage.

Etymology

The word "Churchkhela" comes from the Georgian words "churchi" (ჩურჩხელა), meaning "hanging", and "kela" (ქელა), meaning "strip". This refers to the traditional method of preparation, where the candy is hung to dry.

Preparation

The preparation of Churchkhela involves a series of steps. First, the nuts are threaded onto a string. Then, the string is dipped into a thick mixture of grape must, flour, and sugar. This process is repeated several times until the desired thickness is achieved. Finally, the Churchkhela is hung to dry for several days.

Cultural Significance

Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian candy that is often made during the harvest season to preserve the grape must and nuts. It is often served at celebrations and festive occasions. In Georgia, it is also a common gift to give to friends and family.

Related Terms

• Gozinaki: A traditional Georgian confection made of caramelized nuts, usually walnuts, fried in honey, and served exclusively on New Year's Eve and Christmas.
• Pelamushi: A Georgian traditional dessert made from condensed grape juice, corn flour or white flour, and optionally nuts.
• Tklapi: A traditional Georgian puréed fruit roll-up, similar to Churchkhela but without the nuts.

See Also

• Georgian cuisine
• List of Georgian dishes

• Churchkhela in Kakheti, Georgia
  Churchkhela in Kakheti, Georgia
• Churchkhela at Naschmarkt, Vienna
  Churchkhela at Naschmarkt, Vienna
• Tschurtschchela
  Tschurtschchela
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  Churchkhela
• Churchxela
  Churchxela
• Churchkhela
  Churchkhela