Rize Hamsikoli

Hamsikoli is a traditional baked dish from Rize cuisine, prepared using anchovies and various greens. This dish, which relies on the agricultural products and marine resources of the Black Sea region, is especially consumed during the winter months.

Hamsikoli is a Black Sea dish resembling a salty cake or bread, made by mixing cornmeal, fresh anchovies, and various greens, then baked in an oven. Its outer surface is covered with a golden-brown crust, while the interior is filled with pieces of anchovies and greens. It is typically served in slices. The flavor balances the distinctive marine aroma of fresh anchovies with mild herbal notes from Swiss chard and leek.

Hamsikoli is most notably distinguished from similar dishes by the use of cornmeal—a gluten-free flour—as the primary ingredient and the inclusion of large quantities of greens. The dish’s uniqueness arises from the combination of fresh anchovies, region-specific greens, and traditional cooking methods.

The preparation of Hamsikoli involves the following ingredients and steps:

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

• 500 grams of cleaned anchovies with bones removed
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard
• 3–4 stalks of leek
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 2 green peppers
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 large dried onions
• 6–7 sprigs of fresh onion
• 1 glass of liquid oil
• 3 glasses of cornmeal
• Hot water (to adjust consistency)
• Salt and black pepper

All greens are thoroughly washed and finely chopped. The cleaned anchovies are cut into small pieces. The chopped greens and anchovies are combined in a large bowl. Cornmeal, liquid oil, salt, and black pepper are added to this mixture. Hot water is then gradually added while the mixture is kneaded until it achieves a consistency looser than bread dough. The prepared mixture is poured into a greased baking tray and smoothed evenly. It is baked in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius for approximately 70–80 minutes, until the top turns golden brown. After turning off the oven, the cooked dish is left to rest inside for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, it is sliced and served either warm or cold.