Satsivi
In its own language: საცივი
Cold Georgian walnut sauce served with poultry or vegetables
Satsivi is a Georgian dish where pieces of chicken or turkey are covered in a cold walnut sauce seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. It is a staple at winter holiday feasts in Georgia, sometimes made with vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
- Served cold as a main dish or appetizer
- Made with a thick walnut and herb sauce
- Staple of Georgian winter holiday feasts
- Vegetarian versions use eggplant or cauliflower
- Garnished with pomegranate seeds
What is Satsivi?
Satsivi is a cold Georgian sauce made from ground walnuts, water, and a mix of spices and herbs such as garlic, fenugreek, coriander, and cinnamon. It is most often served with pieces of boiled or fried chicken or turkey, which are submerged in the sauce. The sauce is thick, creamy, and rich, with a distinct nutty flavor and aromatic spices. Vegetarian versions use eggplant or cauliflower instead of poultry. Satsivi is usually garnished with pomegranate seeds for color and a hint of tartness.
Where does Satsivi come from?
Satsivi comes from Georgia, where it is a traditional part of the cuisine. The name means 'cold dish' in Georgian, reflecting how it is served. It is especially popular during winter holidays and family celebrations. The dish shares similarities with Circassian chicken found in Turkish, Levantine, Egyptian, and northern Iranian cooking, which also use a walnut-based sauce with poultry. Over time, satsivi has become a symbol of Georgian festive tables.
How is Satsivi made?
To make satsivi, walnuts are ground into a paste and mixed with water to form a thick sauce. Garlic, dried herbs (such as fenugreek and coriander), vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt, and sometimes cinnamon are added for flavor. The sauce is poured over pieces of boiled or fried chicken or turkey, and the dish is left to cool completely before serving. The cold temperature allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Vegetarian versions swap the poultry for eggplant or cauliflower.
How and when is Satsivi eaten?
Satsivi is usually eaten as part of a festive meal, especially during winter holidays in Georgia. It is served cold, often as an appetizer or as a main dish. The poultry or vegetables are fully coated in the walnut sauce, and it may be garnished with pomegranate seeds. Satsivi is typically eaten with bread and shared among family and guests at celebratory gatherings.
Kinds of Satsivi
While the classic satsivi uses chicken or turkey, vegetarian options with eggplant or cauliflower are also common. The seasoning may vary by region or family tradition, with some cooks adding more or less garlic, different herbs, or adjusting the level of spice. Similar dishes exist in neighboring cuisines, such as Circassian chicken in Turkey and the Levant, and aquz in northern Iran.
What Satsivi means
Satsivi holds a special place in Georgian culture as a festive and celebratory food. It is a staple at winter holiday feasts and family gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. The dish is also an example of Georgia’s use of walnuts and aromatic herbs in its cuisine. Its presence at important meals highlights its role in bringing people together.
Questions people ask about Satsivi
What is satsivi made of?
Satsivi is made from ground walnuts, water, garlic, dried herbs like fenugreek and coriander, vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt, and sometimes cinnamon. It is usually served with boiled or fried chicken or turkey, but can also be made with vegetables.
Where does satsivi come from?
Satsivi comes from Georgia, where it is a traditional dish often served at winter holiday feasts and family celebrations.
Is satsivi always made with meat?
No, while satsivi is most often made with chicken or turkey, vegetarian versions using eggplant or cauliflower are also common.
How is satsivi served?
Satsivi is served cold, with pieces of poultry or vegetables submerged in the walnut sauce. It is often garnished with pomegranate seeds and eaten with bread.
What does satsivi taste like?
Satsivi has a rich, creamy texture and a nutty flavor from the walnuts, balanced by aromatic herbs and spices such as garlic, fenugreek, and coriander.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Satsivi", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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