Please enter the email you’re using for this account.
Arguably no group loves walnuts more than Georgians, who add them to almost any dish. This ardor manifests itself in dozens of walnut sauces, the original concept adapted from Persian cuisine, which are served with almost everything. The most versatile of these sauces is bazha. Typical of Georgia, this uncooked sauce is slightly tart as sweeteners are not used in cooking. The thickness of bazha varies according to the nature of the dish: a thicker sauce for pkhali (salads); a thinner sauce for poultry and fish.
1 cup (4 ounces) walnut pieces
1 small onion, chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced or 3-4 cubes Gefen Frozen Garlic
about 1/2 teaspoon salt
about 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or 3/4 cup Heaven & Earth Pomegranate Juice
3–4 tablespoons chopped cilantro or 9-12 cubes Dorot Gardens Frozen Cilantro
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
dash of cayenne, or 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, or 1/2 teaspoon ground dried marigold petals
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek, or 1 to 2 seeded and minced jalapeño chilies (optional)
about 1/4 cup water
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the walnuts, onion, garlic, and salt into a paste.
Stir in the vinegar, cilantro, coriander, cayenne, turmeric, and fenugreek. Add enough water to make a sauce with the consistency of heavy cream.
Let stand at room temperature for at least one hour. The sauce will thicken as it stands. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. If too thick, stir in a little more water.
How Would You
Rate this recipe?
When leaving comments on kosher.com we ask that you be respectful, appropriate, and stay on topic. Click here to read our full comment policy.
Kosher.com Commenting Guidelines
We love hearing from our community! Constructive feedback, tips, questions, and friendly engagement are encouraged.
By commenting on Kosher.com, you agree to follow these guidelines. Please note that comments are for community discussion only and should not be considered halachic guidance—always check with your own Rabbi or LOR.
1. Be Respectful
2. Keep It Appropriate
3. Protect Privacy
4. Stay On Topic
5. Moderation