We moved to ABGEO.ca

Dear friends,

we moved to ABGEO.ca please read the following post for more information. Thanks for staying in touch!

Happy New Year!

From ABGEO International

About Nino Tatunashvili

ABGEO INTERNATIONAL: MAKING A DIFFERENCE ANYTIME ANYPLACE

Presents Nino Tatunashvili

Dear readers,

First, we would like to thank all participants for nominations and making “Making a difference any time any place” initiative such an enjoyable journey for us. We are excited to introduce these wonderful individuals to you, one at a time.

After much consideration, out first candidate will be NINO TATUNASHVILI. Born in the city of Kaspi, to creative minded parents, Nino moved to Russia along with her family in 1994. She currently resides in Moscow and will be graduating from the State University this year.

She is an active member of an association of Georgians in Russia, which strives for culture preservation, aid, unification of the community and development.

Nino has published a memoir “letters of an Immigrant” in 2008 based on her diary both in Georgian and Russian. The book addresses her experiences in her new homeland and nostalgia towards her birthplace. The “letters of an Immigrant” was thereafter shot in motion picture and drew full film halls with Nino in lead role. She was also the force behind the project “Georgian’s in Russia in XV-XIX cc”, which was produced in 2009 under the guidance from senior advisor to the Georgian Embassy of Russia.

When asked about her opinion of the Abkhazian/Ossetian conflicts, she answered: “I’m not on the side of any political party; I’m on the side of peace”. We chose Nino because her involvement, motivation and we would like to introduce her to you. As speculated before, we will be choosing 5 questions from our readers. Write us if there is something you would like to ask Nino.

Again, we really encourage you to keep nominating and suggesting, we love to hear from you. Here is the list of nominees so far, who would you like to be the next? Let us know!

Stay tuned for the interview which is to be released January 2011!

For more information about Nino please visit:

http://ninotatunashvili.blogspot.com/

Interview with Georgia Times:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJLasFv5Gts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVfxr3FYGOA

Upcoming changes

Dear friends of ABGEO International,

The New Year is upon us and we would like to update you on some of the things that have been brewing in the minds and hearts of the ABGEO team. As some of you know, ABGEO started as a little forum sparking from an idea that change is possible given the opportunity. The forum slowly evolved into a blog that is operating since 2007.

We have been brainstorming and thinking of next steps for a while now, and after many meetings and considerations decided to take things a step further and register as an organization. We are convinced that the need for it is great, just by reading many of your comments. We believe that we can play a vital role in the transition of the future and our ambition and care for our community is taking action that hopefully motivates others to do the same. So, be prepared for the upcoming changes and plan your participation. We are looking for members, volunteers, partners, and supporters as we all can contribute to our future.

Apart from a new website which will be launched soon, we will kick off the New Year with an exciting interview of Nino Tatunashvili as part of the ‘Making a Difference Anytime Anyplace’ initiative. Furthermore, ABGEO International will be acquiring a non-for-profit status in 2011, offering you numerous interesting programs. To cover some of our start-up costs, we will be launching a fundraising campaign and will be most grateful for your donations. Our recruitment campaign is also underway as we are looking to staff several volunteer positions which will be available in the New Year.

We are truly blessed to have so many of you offering us help and words of encouragement. We hope you continue being by our side as we take these steps forward. Stay tuned and check back often! As always we’d love to hear your suggestions, questions, or just comments. Write us at info@abgeo.net

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

ABGEO International

Board of Directors:

Khatia Odzelashvili

Ketevan Natsvlichvili

Nino Gabetsadze

Top Five Fruits

Of course I do not need to tell you that fresh fruit and vegetables play a vital role in healthy eating habits. The reason fruits and vegetables are so important is that they are packed with micro nutrients that help your body to support specific systems.

The best way to eat fruit is raw. It is not even advisable to eat diced fruit because it is not as fresh as the whole one. If your daily portion of fruit is rich with different sorts f berries, kiwis, cherries, apples, bananas and etc. it means that your aging process will be slowing down, you will gain your natural weight, energy will increase, your cholesterol level and blood pressure will be lower.

We all know the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". Well it turns out it is not just an apple, it is fruit in general that keeps one healthy, energized and fit.

Here are five recommendations for type of fruits you should reach for most often. These will help your body fight disease, they will lower level of inflammation, and they will generally improve your health.

Top Five Fruits

Berries

Brightly-coloured berries like blue, rasp, straw, black, cran etc. are full of antioxidants that help your body to fight disease and lower inflammation. In fact, when it comes to antioxidants, berries deliver the most of any fruit or vegetables.

Cherries

Cherries are loaded with antioxidant compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-cancer. This fruit contains vitamins which aid in prevention of heart disease; relieve pain of arthritis, gout, headache and provide healthy and safe way to produce melatonin.

Kiwifruit

Kiwis are sometimes an overlooked fruit, as they almost taste too good to be so healthy! They have twice the vitamin C of oranges, and are one of the most nutrients dense fruits on the planet. They are very high in fibber and potassium for a healthy heart.

Pomegranates

Enjoy pomegranates either the fresh seeds or pulp, or even make juice everyday as this will help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and help slow aging.

Bananas

Bananas are very rich in carbohydrates, the reason why they constitute on of the best ways to provide organisms with vegetable energy. One banana can replace your breakfast if you have no time in the morning because it is very high in calories and will produce enough energy in your body for the rest of the day.

Aggressive recruiting for teaching English in Georgia

Author: Ketevan Natsvlichvili

The Republic of Georgia has been undergoing many reforms the past couple of years, “educational revolution” being the latest development. The president of Georgia, not too long ago announced that English language is to become a second language and is to foster a new generation who will play a role on the global arena.

To put theory into practice, the ”teach and learn for Georgia” project was launched and the first phase of foreign English teachers arrived in the July 2010. A total of 1000 are scheduled to the land on Georgian soil by the end of 2010-2011 school year, and 10, 000 over the next four years.

Most foreign teachers sign up directly from the source, administered by the Georgian Ministry of Education. However, there is increasing number of organizations such as footprints recruiting and cci-exchange offering native English speakers to venture out to Georgia as well.

One of the advantages of the program is that the volunteers are introduced to Georgia, and are encouraged to learn its language and customs. That’s why they will be called “Georgia’s goodwill ambassadors” after leaving the county, as they will automatically raise awareness of often unknown country to the general public in the west. And will serve as liaison if you will. To emphasize the important role the teachers are to play in the future of Georgia, the president personally welcomed the first arrivals and you can read about their reactions in some of the blogs listed below.

This subject has been in the news casts for quite some time stirring up some discussion for all parties involved.

The reactions from the general public seem positive, although I can’t help but speculate that such a strong and sudden movement must be a little overwhelming. The learning curve is definitely needed for this non-traditional approach. However, this might just be thing that Georgia needs.

Together with the language proficiency, the undertaking is also to result in adaptation of western values and culture. This is one of the items that drew my attention while researching this topic, because I am not a believer of adaptation of other cultures but innovation or advancement of our own. The western culture, as superior as it seems, has very many flows of its own. This of course is an issue on its own and I will not get into it just yet.

The challenge in my opinion will be in perseverance, as learning a language is an ongoing long term process which cannot be haltered. As well, the recruits are not trained teachers and although they speak English at a high level, teaching is not a given.

Before I turn into a sceptic and an optimist at the same time, what are some of your thoughts, suggestions, and comment? How close to home is this to you?

Sources used in this post: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Visa requirement

The trending topic in Georgia during the last two weeks was visa for a variety of reasons.

First, Georgian government made an important announcement that starting October 13, 2010, North Caucasians can visit Georgia for up to 90 days without a visa. Decision of Georgia's government rose many questions among politicians within and outside the country, nevertheless ordinary people immediately started benefiting from it. The best part of it is that now they can visit their relatives, make business deals or just enjoy tourist attractions without the hassle of going through all the bureaucratic troubles of obtaining a visa.

Going in the same spirit, the European Union (EU) made some vital changes in the visa requirement for the Georgians. The visa process for EU now became more transparent and quick. This new mechanism of handling the visa process will benefit not only the ordinary Georgians in large but especially a certain group of people. Students, journalists and those engaged in cultural, artistic, scientific and sports activities will no longer require visa to visit an EU country.

Both of these gestures on part of the Georgian government and EU are huge step towards bridging differences and connecting people that will ultimately result in more socio-economic prosperity for the region in general.

source: PFE/RL, European Parliament, Civil.ge, RiaNovosti.

I speak your language

Understanding each other is very important. Only listening and understanding can make a big difference in our lives; it can resolve problems and clear misconceptions. Therefore, in ideal world we would understand language of each other.

Right now we, Abkhazians, Ossetians and Georgians need to find some middle language for communication. Mostly it is Russian and sometimes it's English. However our language of communication can be any other one, for example Abkhazian, Georgian and Ossetian. For those who are interested in learning Georgian language, Nino and me, we wrote a book. I hope it will help beginners.

ABGEO team would welcome working with specialist of Abkhazian or Ossetian, to develop a basic course for Georgian speakers. If you think, you can help, please contact me.

Top 5 vegetables

These 5 vegetables are some of the healthiest food (listed in no particular order). Try to eat as many different kinds of vegetables as you can. And each day try to eat at least one red or orange colored vegetable.

1. Broccoli - is among the healthiest among vegetables.It is an excellent course of calcium, potassium, vitamins A and C, anti-oxidant, beta-carotene and folate. These help reduce the chances for cancer and heart diseases.
2. Cabbage - is the member of the vegetable family which is rich in phytochemical. It is impressive with its high content level of calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, sulfur, and phosphorus.
3. Carrot - is one of the most healing foods that provides the finest and highest quality in nutrients, especially from its juice. It is an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, D, E, K, B1 and B6.
4. Garlic - has an admirable source of vitamins A, B-complex and C. It provides a good supply of minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, calcium, copper, potassium, iron. Garlic is know as anti cold treatment as it kills all bad bacterias in the body.
5. Bell Peppers - are colourful. Their rich pigmentation are full of anti-oxidants and carotenoids. Chlorophyll in bell peppers protects against environmental free radicals.
   

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ANY TIME ANY PLACE

Author: Ketevan Natsvlichvili

The originators of the ABGEO blog have been promoting and initiating dialogue of unity and peace since 2007, with much success. We not only believe in the brighter future of the region, but also that we are the ones that have to create this future together. Many people all around the world regardless of their ethnicity strive every day to get closer to that unity. There are numerous organizations, events and online groups which are dedicated to giving Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia and its people a better future.

This is a new initiative for ABGEO, where our goal is to introduce the individuals, who strive to make a difference whether on small or big scale. Our goal is to recognize and unite these wonderful individuals and make them stronger with our support and gratitude. Often the hard work is not recognized, and/or it’s hard to find such individuals as they are scattered all over the world.

The idea sparked after we realized the amount of people who would like to get involved, but perhaps lack the leadership, resources or simply confidence. We hope that this initiative will inspire and motivate people to unite and bring us all closer to peace.

Hence, we will be seeking out and interviewing one individual per month. The interview will include questions starting from their favourite dish to their aspirations, challenges and lessons learned. We hope that you, our readers, will enjoy the visionaries that we have lined up for you.

But before we can go on we need your help! We invite you to suggest a person or an organization that you would like to hear more about, the more the better!

Armenian Dolma

Armenia is Georgia's south neighbour country and it has long-standing and plentiful culinary tradition. People in Armenia as well as in Georgia like to get together and organize picnics. One amongst the most popular Armenian dish is Dolma. Dolma is a family of stuffed vegetable dishes. The vegetables used to make Dolma are eggplants, tomatoes and peppers. Today I want to write about Armenian style Dolma made of vine leaves stuffed with meat. It would make an ideal winter meal, because it is served hot.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (1 pound) preserved grape leaves
• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 2 1/4 cups ground meat
  
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato paste
• 3 table spoon lemon juice
• 1 table spoon ground all spices
• 1/2 table spoon black pepper
• 1/4 tea spoon hot red pepper
• Salt to suit your taste
• 1/4 pond beef fat or corn oil
• 6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

Cooking liquid:

• 3-4cups water
• 3 table spoon lemon juice
• Salt

Directions:

Rinse the grape leaves in hot water and remove the stems. Soak the leaves in water and wash several times to remove sulphur smell. Set aside.

Wash the rise and set aside. To prepare the filling, in a medium mixing bowl combine the rice with meat, tomato paste, lemon juice, spices and salt.Taste and add seasoning according to your taste.

Place about the table spoon of the filling along the stem end of each leaf, fold over the sides and roll from the stem up to form a sausage-like roll.Cover the bottom of the pan with some of the leftover leaves. Over that layer place a portion of the beef fat and some of the garlic to flavour and soften the leaves.

Arrange the stuffed grape leaves seam side down, side by side in the pan, scattering the beef and chopped garlic between each layer.Arrange some extra grape leaves over the top layer.

Place a heavy plate over the top to keep them in place while cooking.Combine the cooking liquid ingredients and pour over the rolls. Taste the liquid and add salt if necessary. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to low and cook twenty to thirty minutes, or until done. Drain a cooking liquid into a bowl. With a slotted spoon arrange the rolls decoratively on a serving platter. Serve the cooking liquid on the side to spoon over the rolls, if desired. Serve hot.

Recommendation: Dolma in vine leaves is nice with special Yogurt called Matsoni mixed with crashed garlic in it.

Our Hellados

In a very first ABGEO group we: Abkhazians, Georgians and others wanted to talk about our culture. By that time we didn't know much about each other. Once in a section for literature I wrote a name of my favorite writer Nodar Dumbadze. Unfortunately our Abkhazian friend knew nothing about his works, so we, me and my friend decided to translate HELLADOS into German. We both worked day and night and soon we were able to post our work there.

Now me and Irma published translation of the HELLADOS for everybody in this world. We hope you enjoy the reading and understand, how devastating it is for people not being able to be in their homeland, how deep in your heart love to your home city is living.

Georgian Folk song

The singer, Teona Kumsiashvili, 30, died tragically with her 2 babies in mountinous region of Khevsureti. Remembering her, I post one of her songs.

The song says (my translation - bad one, sorry for that)

You are my pain
morning - rainy
you are my smile
smile - sad
Not as you thought
neither as I though
Let you burn, the women's sun
let me burn with you
If you dont love me,
let your sad eyes burn


in Georgian
"შენ ჩემო დიდო ტკივილო,
დილაო - ავდრიანაო.
ძლივს აჩენილო ღიმილო,
ღიმილო - დარდიანაო.
შენ რომ ფიქრობდი, არც აგრე...
რომ ვფიქრობ, აგრეც არაო...
ცეცხლი მოგედოს, ქალთა მზევ,
მეც შენთან მაბრიალაო.
მე თუ არ მეტრფის - დაიწვას
თვალები - ნაღვლიანაო.
შენ, ჩემო დიდო ტკივილო,
დილაო - ავდრიანაო".

WHERE IS THE DEVIDING LINE (cont...)

I continue to post more pictures from my trip to Zugdidi region, western Georgia.
There are only 2 villages locate across the Enguri river, which is still controlled by Georgian authorties. These two are villages Ganmukhuri and Khurcha (see the map bellow).




I already posted some pics from village Khurcha in my previous post. Now i would like to post some pics from Ganmukhuri, where the Georgian governrmnt is implementing new touristic projects (in ENG, in RU). It is indeed a nice place, with the beach, palms, etc. However, the deviding line with Abkhazia is just unbelievable. The beautiful beach, full of local tourists is just 20 meters away from the Russian military post. This made me very uncomfortable. SO PLEASE, RUSSIAN TROOPS, LEAVE THE AREA and LET US ENJOY THE SEA AND THE BEACH.


Pictures below show the Ganmukhuri beach and the deviding yellow line, across which you see Russian military post.























bellow its Ganmukhuri beach again

So, is that yellow line and Russian troops which devide Georgians and Abkhazians? Or is that irrationality of these people, who never learn their lesson from the history???

Russia has just arrived

In Newsweek on August 18, 2010 Anna Nemtsova's article was published about FSB's past and future summers now in "Russia's newest colony", Abkhazia. Author is explaining why there always has been "special relationship" with KGB and how exactly trend is continuing.

Tsyshba, the Gagra privatization guru, proudly boasts that the city is “the best FSB resort.”

Once, when my mom was talking with me about Abkhazians and their unique culture, I decided I wanted to travel there, I wanted to be friends with these people. At the end she added somehow sadly, "But instead of their mother tongue, they speak more and more Russian these days", she looked away and switched to some other topic. I didn't think it was so bad if people spoke other rather then their own language. I didn't share sadness of my mother. But if I could understand more then I did, if she could say more then she did, I would.

After some years war erupted in Abkhazia. War and also war crimes where based on ethnicity. Some soldiers never came back, but message arrived: In Gagra football was played with heads of Georgian soldiers. Abkhazians lost their friends and family members as well.

...

I kept asking myself WHY and HOW could all these tragic events take place in our beautiful country. When I think of ourselves BROTHERHOOD is the first word that comes in my mind. I couldn't explain, I had no answers, until Anna Nemtsova's article offered me some explanation. I was reading Republic of Spies and thinking, that when you have too many KGB/FSB agents in your country or region, you must be concerned, you should think that horror can happen if you are in their hands.

We can't change what has happened, but can we make a future we would like to have? Of course we can...or can we all?

“I realized that Russian security services gave us our independence in order to be able to decide what to buy and build in our cities,” Tamara Lakrba, main architect of town Gagra.

“I do not think Russians understand that we are different; we do not want to be a KGB state again. We would never give our land back to Georgia, but to be independent, we mean from Russia as well,” says Akhra Smyr, a youth community activist in Sukhumi.

I myself believe in never is too late. I wouldn't give up to work on being happy and helping other's to be happy while my lifetime. Future is in our hands, but doesn't seem to agree with me Anna. She thinks it could be already too late:

"It seems too late, though, for the Abkhaz to reconsider their pact with their powerful northern neighbor. Abkhazia’s border with Georgia is secured by a full division of Russia’s border guards, who answer to the FSB. Bright orange trucks—with the double-headed-eagle logo of the Russian Federal Construction Co.—crawl along the coastal roads, carrying sand and gravel for the seven-story buildings the FSB is building for the border guards and their families in Gali, a regional center on the border with Georgia."

Abkhazia's de facto president Bagapsh's answer shows me, that he has nothing against giving up.

“Russia has just arrived,” President Bagapsh told NEWSWEEK. The West should “stop having any illusions about what they call Russian occupiers leaving any time soon.”

I wish armies and agents who make fire among people, have to leave, but it's not really about transportation of an Army, it's about the happiness we lost. It is important to bring it back one day soon.

Update:

After publishing this post I came across Akhma Smyr's comment about the "Republic of Spies". He writes that some of his words has been twisted. You can read about it here >>

Russian deployment of S-300 in Abkhazia

Current week's popular topics and political debates regarding deployment of s-300 air defence systems in Abkhazia and "sincere" and "honest" intentions of Russia of implementing peace and safety in the region were under headlines of various popular newspapers, publishers and websites.

The S-300, code named "Favorite" in Russian, is a mobile, long-range air defence able to detect, track and destroy cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and high-and-low-flying aircraft.

According to Russian foreign ministry the deployment of S-300 air defence systems in Abkhazia does not contradict Russia's international obligations and S-300 deployment cannot destabilize the situation in the region. However, with this move, Russia is again flagrantly violating the August 2008 cease-fire agreement negotiated by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The agreement calls upon both countries to withdraw troops to pre-war positions and restore the status quo antebellum. Yet Russia also has built up to five military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the past two years alone. Kremlin clearly does not feel bounded to any agreement. Russia neither cares much about international law. It probably should mean something to international community.

By deploying the missiles, Russia wants to be able to intercept Georgian, or indeed U.S. and NATO, flights over the nearby Black Sea area, Georgia's interior and the south Caucasus air corridor, the Jamestown Foundation, a U.S. think-tank, said in a research note.

Georgia's Deputy Prime Minister Temur Iakobashvili expressed anxiety over Russia's statement.

"This should be of concern not only for Georgia but also for other regional actors including Nato", he told the AFP news agency.

"It is very obvious that Russia is using these occupied territories as a military platform for larger plans than only Georgia".

However, it shows... not only that Russia does not intend to withdraw its troops from Abkhazia and South Ossetia but that it is actually strengthening its military control over these territories.

Story of Pictures

This picture is taken in Village Khurcha, Zugdidi region, the only village which is located onther other side of Enguri River, naturallty deviding Georgia from Abkhazia. The horse in the picture is in Khurcha but the other side of the water is Abkhazia, Gali region. Yes, this is striking...that's how far Georgia and Abkhazia are from each other.

This picture is again in village Khurcha. The water in the above picture is the same as here. There is a bridge, but only school children and teachers are allowed to cross in order to go to the nearest school, located in Gali region. You also see a a Russian FSB border guard standing in the close proximity from children. Locals say Russians build several military bases in Gali region. Crossing the boundary line is almost impossible now, but people in Zugdidi region have relatives in Gali region. Local Georgians say if Russians cought them while crossing the boundray, they take to Gali Police station and then either they are fined or arrested, depending in the mood they are there.

This is a picture of an IDP family from Ochamchire region of Abkhazia. Picture is taken some 30 years ago. Now, they are all in grey hair, wrinkled and stressed due to 20 years of displacement. They live in a collective centre (below picture), in grave conditions. When I asked them what was the greatest loss inflicted on them as a result of the war, answer was: "time - which we lost in displacement."
A collective centre.


This picture is taken in Ergneti village of Gori region after the war. White building that you see on the horizon is Tskhinvali Town. It is 2 km away from Ergneti. Almost 80% of around 200 houses were burnded down in Ergenti by Ossetian militias. Two pictures are bellow.

A new cottage you see with a burned house, was build by and international NGO as a temporary shelter before the house is restored. Cottegees were build for elderly population who remained in the village.

The owner said he had 14 rooms in this house.

(to be continued)

Feijoada

Feijoada - this easy-to-do version can be ready for dinner tonight. I was told by my Brazilian friend that this dish was created by slaves in the colonial Brazil. Feijoada became a national dish and very popular because it is easy to prepare for large crowds. The slaves started cooking the pork meat that farmland owners discarded such as ears, tails, feet in a big pot with black beans. This dish was incremented with pork sirloin and sausages that transformed the menu in a famous entree that everybody who visits Brazil has to taste. The following recipe is an easy-to-do version of Feijoada made only with pork tenderloin and sausages. This recipe is preferred for busy people that do not want to handle the salted pork ears, tails and feet found in the complete Feijoada.


Ingredients:

1lb of varied pork sausage (preferred smoked sausage)
1lb of pork tenderloin
Some slices of bacon
1 can of black beans (15.50 Oz)
2 table spoon vegetable oil
Salt, garlic, chopped onions and bay leaves

Serves: 6 portions

Directions:

Add black beans to a medium-sized pot with 2 tbs oil, salt, garlic, chopped onions and about 6 bay leaves. Cook for a bout 15 minutes on medium heat and set aside. In separate fry pan cook cubes of pork tenderloin and slices of bacon with salt and garlic. Add sausage slices and stir on medium heat until all water dries. Add the cooked meat to the pan with black beans and your Feijoada is ready! Cook Feijoada for more 10 minutes to soak meat with black beans. You can add some pepper sauce to your Feijoada at this point.

Hint: to make Fejioada creamy, liquefy 1/2 cup of black beans in the blender and add to the Feijoada.

Feijoada is a main dish which frequently is served with rice.

Heroism

There are some rules for labeling food, let's say potatoes for example. We have a freedom what we declare as a heroism and we should use this opportunity wisely.

"Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -- how passionately I hate them!"

Albert Einstein

Abkhazura (Spicy Meatballs)

Abkhazura is very tasty and easy to cook. This dish comes from Abkhazia - eastern coast of the Black Sea in Georgia. All parts of Georgia are variouse and suprpisingly interesting in their cuisine. Abkhazura is not considered as a main hot meal but it is served as a main course. The recipe is simple and easy to follow.

Ingredients:

1 pound of pork butt
3/4 pounds of beef chuck
1 small onion, peeled
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of dried fenugreek
2 table spoons of ground barberry
1 pound of caul fat, if available fatty tissue around intestines
2 teaspoon of salt
vinegar


Directions:

Grind together the pork, beef, onion and garlic. Work the spices in well with your hands and not with a spoon.

Saok the caul fat in warm water with a little vinegar until it becomes pliable, then cut it into 4-inch squares. Place a mound of ground meat mixture on each square and enclose in the fat to make a plump meatball. Fry the meatball over low heat untill cooked through nicely browned.

Serve with tkemali sauce or ketchup. Will be nice with a fresh side salad. If caul is not available then form the meatballs like you normally do.