Plum sauce with herbs (like tkemali)

10 servings

240 minutes

Plum sauce with herbs, known as Georgian tkhemali, is an integral part of Caucasian cuisine. It is made from sour or unripe plums of the 'Hungarian' variety combined with aromatic herbs and rich spices. The bright flavor of the sauce balances between the tartness of the plums, the freshness of parsley, cilantro, dill, and a slight spiciness from chili pepper. This sauce not only enhances meat and vegetable dishes but also becomes a highlight on the table. It can be served hot, warm or chilled and can be preserved for winter with proper canning. Tkhemali perfectly complements kebabs, fish and vegetable appetizers while revealing traditional flavor nuances of Georgian gastronomy. Thanks to the combination of spices and herbs, this sauce becomes a true gastronomic journey into the world of Caucasian flavors and aromas.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 260.2
• Proteins: 6.6g
• Fats: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 57.1g

Ingredients

• Plums: 5 kg
• Parsley: 2 bunch
• Coriander: 2 bunch
• Dill: 2 bunch
• Basil: 2 bunch
• Tarragon: 5 sprig
• Mint: 5 sprig
• Chili pepper: 2 pc
• Garlic: 2 head
• Onion: 1 head
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1 tbsp
• Paprika: 1 tbsp
• Barberry: 1 tbsp
• Coriander seeds: 1 tbsp
• Allspice peas: 1 tbsp
• Zira: 1 tbsp
• Carnation: 1 tbsp
• Imeretian saffron: 1 tbsp
• Seasoning for vegetables: 1 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Prepare plums of the 'Hungarian' variety (or any other plums available, preferably sour or unripe).

   Required ingredients:

   • Plums: 5 kg

2. Plums should be washed, pitted, and placed in a suitable cooking container (after adding greens, the mass will increase, so a larger container should be chosen).

   Required ingredients:

   • Plums: 5 kg

3. Boil the plums and puree them with a blender.

   Required ingredients:

   • Plums: 5 kg

4. Prepare the spices, preferably grind everything in advance.

   Required ingredients:

   • Freshly ground black pepper: 1 tablespoon
   • Paprika: 1 tablespoon
   • Barberry: 1 tablespoon
   • Coriander seeds: 1 tablespoon
   • Allspice peas: 1 tablespoon
   • Zira: 1 tablespoon
   • Carnation: 1 tablespoon
   • Imeretian saffron: 1 tablespoon
   • Seasoning for vegetables: 1 tablespoon

5. Wash the greens, prepare the onion, garlic, and pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Parsley: 2 bunchs
   • Coriander: 2 bunchs
   • Dill: 2 bunchs
   • Basil: 2 bunchs
   • Tarragon: 5 sprig
   • Mint: 5 sprig
   • Chili pepper: 2 pieces
   • Garlic: 2 heads
   • Onion: 1 head

6. Add finely chopped greens, chili pepper, onion, garlic, and a spice mix to the plum puree. Blend until the desired consistency is reached. Then bring to a boil over low heat while stirring continuously and pour into sterilized jars if preparing the sauce for storage.

   Required ingredients:

   • Parsley: 2 bunchs
   • Coriander: 2 bunchs
   • Dill: 2 bunchs
   • Basil: 2 bunchs
   • Tarragon: 5 sprig
   • Mint: 5 sprig
   • Chili pepper: 2 pieces
   • Garlic: 2 heads
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Freshly ground black pepper: 1 tablespoon
   • Paprika: 1 tablespoon
   • Barberry: 1 tablespoon
   • Coriander seeds: 1 tablespoon
   • Allspice peas: 1 tablespoon
   • Zira: 1 tablespoon
   • Carnation: 1 tablespoon
   • Imeretian saffron: 1 tablespoon
   • Seasoning for vegetables: 1 tablespoon

7. Serve hot, cold, or warm with your favorite dishes. If the sauce is prepared for winter, wrap the jars upside down until completely cool.