Labda (Georgia)

World-Bites (99) / Labda

The Georgian cuisine is very specific to the country, but also contains some influences from the Middle Eastern and European culinary traditions. Georgian people are famous for their hospitality. They respect guests and are good at being friendly and generous while entertaining them, especially in their own home. The cuisine offers a variety of dishes, high in various herbs and spices. The food, in addition to various meat dishes, also offers a variety of vegetarian meals. The cuisine is very varied with different dishes cooked daily. Labda- the most popular variety, is basically potato pancake. This large, rich pancake makes a quick and filling supper any time of the year.

Ingredients:

1 pound of boiling potatoes
1 cup of finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of corn oil

Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until tender; peel and mash them. Stir in the walnuts, parsley, salt, pepper to taste and eggs, mixing them well.
In a 10-inch skillet with sloping sides, melt 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil. When hot, spoon the pancake batter into the pan, pressing down with a spatula to form and even pancake. Cook over medium high heat for about 4 minutes, or until the bottom of the pancake is brown and crusty. Slide the pancake onto a platter. Melt the remaining butter and oil in the skillet, then invert the pancake into the skillet and fry the other side until brown, about 4 minutes more. Slide onto a platter and serve, cut into wedges.