Hmeli-suneli: the composition of your favorite seasoning

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The hops-suneli seasoning familiar to everyone today, the composition of which we will consider in this article, is considered a traditional element of Georgian cuisine. But this is not entirely true, because it is also successfully used by chefs of other Caucasian peoples, who also consider it to be their original, national one.

But be that as it may, the composition of suneli hops is almost the same. True, in two versions. The first, abbreviated, is based on mixing dry dill, marjoram, basil and coriander in equal proportions. Saffron and hot red pepper make up the smallest of the total: the first is 0.1%, the second is 2%.

The complete recipe of hops-suneli composition implies the following: in equal proportions - savory and fenugreek, coriander and basil, bay leaf and dill, peppermint and celery, parsley and marjoram. Red pepper and saffron are taken in the same proportions as for the shortened version of the spice.

Why this seasoning includes just such herbs and spices, today no one will say. However, the features of the hops-suneli spice conquered almost the whole world. As mentioned above, in the Caucasus it is difficult to imagine meat or fishdish without it. But she is also popular with us.

On the shelves of Soviet stores hops-suneli, the composition of which was then completely exotic for local people, appeared relatively recently - in the early eighties. Prior to that, bay leaves, black pepper, parsley and dill were used as a seasoning on the territory of the USSR, experimenting with red pepper and garlic on holidays. However, the pleasantly smelling "overseas" seasoning with a clever name quickly won the love and respect of Soviet housewives. Today suneli hops, the composition of which no longer surprises anyone, is one of the most popular spices in Russia.

And if its ability to emphasize and enhance the taste of meat and fish dishes is no secret to anyone, then the ability to reveal legumes in all flavors is a surprise for many. And you try! Any dishes made from peas, beans, lentils will "sound" in a new way if you season them with suneli hops.

I would like to dwell in more detail on the properties of all the components of the condiment in question. But given the fact that there are a lot of them, it is almost impossible to do this within the framework of a short article. Therefore, we note only those spices or herbs that are little known in our area. For example, fenugreek. It is also called in Russia Shambhala, or fenugreek. It differs in that it contains a lot of protein, it is also rich in carbohydrates and various biologically active substances. Since ancient times, it has been used in folk medicine as an anti-cold and bactericidal agent.

Savory is a herb that has long been used in Russia to treat a runny nose andcold. It also improves the functioning of the digestive system, treats diseases of the kidneys and liver. Basil has beneficial properties for the human body in such quantity that it is worthy of a separate article. In short, it protects against infections, destroys fungi and viruses, and has an effective antipyretic and disinfectant effect. In addition, it calms the nervous system, refreshes the mouth and reduces high blood pressure.