
What is Tkemali Sauce?
Tkemali sauce, is one of the most iconic and beloved sauces of Georgian cuisine. Usually served with meat dishes, vegetables and fried foods, this sauce is prepared with a combination of sour plums. Especially made in the summer months, this sauce is a perfect option to add a fresh flavor to dishes.
Ingredients for Tkemali Sauce
The ingredients needed to prepare Tkemali sauce are quite simple. Here is what you will need:
- 500 grams of sour plums (or plums)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoons of coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 tea spoon salt
- Half a teaspoon of black pepper
- Fresh tarragon or dill (optional)
- half a cup of water
How to Make Tkemali Sauce?
The process of making Tkemali sauce is quite easy. You can prepare a delicious sauce at home by following the steps below:
1. Prepare the Plums
Firstly, plums wash and remove the seeds. This step is very important for the sauce to reach a smooth consistency. Place your plums in a pot and add half a tea glass of water. Boil on low heat until the plums soften.
2. Puree
Boiled plums in a blender Puree using a fork. If necessary, strain through a sieve to obtain a smooth sauce. This improves the texture of the sauce and gives it a more pleasant taste.
3. Add the Spices
Crush the garlic and crush the coriander and fennel seeds in a mortar or grind them in a spice mill. At this stage, it is important to grind them well to release the aroma of the spices. Add the mixture to the plum puree.
4. Cook the Sauce
Add the plum puree back into the pot. Add the crushed spices, crushed garlic, red pepper powder, black pepper and salt. Boil the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 10-15 minutes. This process allows the flavors of the sauce to combine better.
5. Make the Final Touches
Before removing the sauce from the heat, add the finely chopped fresh tarragon or dill and stir. These herbs will add a fresh flavor to your sauce.
Serving Tkemali Sauce
After the tkemali sauce has cooled, pour it into glass jars. You can store it in the refrigerator after it has cooled. It is especially a great match with meat dishes, meatballs and vegetables. When serving, it is also very popular to serve it with fresh bread or pita bread.
Benefits of Tkemali Sauce
Tkemali sauce stands out not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of this sauce:
- Antioxidant Properties: Plums contain high amounts of antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and support the health of cells.
- Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Tkemali sauce is rich in vitamin C and other vitamins. It strengthens the immune system.
- Digestive Health: Sour plums contain fibers that aid the digestive system, thus contributing to the prevention of digestive problems.
Different Recipes with Tkemali Sauce
Tkemali sauce can be used not only with meat dishes, but also in a variety of recipes. Here are a few examples:
- Fried potatoes: You can enhance the taste by serving Tkemali sauce with fried potatoes.
- Grilled Vegetables: By pouring the sauce over grilled vegetables, you can obtain a meal that is both visually and taste-rich.
- Köfte: You can enrich your meal by adding Tkemali sauce to traditional meatball recipes.
Conclusion
Tkemali sauce is a sauce that should be in your kitchen with its rich flavor and healthy ingredients. It also offers a recipe that everyone can try with its easy preparation. By following the steps we have given to make this sauce, you can create this unique flavor in your own kitchen.