Indulge your taste buds in the vibrant flavors of Georgia with our Tkemali sauce, a traditional condiment crafted from sour plums. Bursting with tanginess and a hint of sweetness, this versatile sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats. Its zesty profile adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the savory notes of beef, lamb, or chicken with every bite. Whether used as a dipping sauce or brushed generously over meats, our Georgia Tkemali promises to elevate your culinary experience with its authentic taste and rich cultural heritage. Unlock a world of flavor with every spoonful of this cherished Georgian delicacy.

Ingredients:

• 500g sour plums (Tkemali variety if available), pitted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste (optional)
• Water

Instructions:

1- Wash the sour plums thoroughly and remove the pits. You can use a knife or a cherry pitter for this task.

2- In a saucepan, combine the pitted sour plums with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the plums until they are soft and starting to fall apart, about 15-20 minutes.

3- Once the plums are soft, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.

4- Using a blender or food processor, puree the cooked plums until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

5- Return the pureed plum mixture to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, dill, parsley, ground coriander, ground fenugreek (if using), and red chili flakes. Stir well to combine.

6- Season the sauce with salt to taste. If the sauce is too tart, you can add a little sugar to balance the flavors, but this is optional and depends on your preference.

7- Simmer the sauce gently for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

8- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

9- Once cooled, transfer the Tkemali sauce to a clean jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.

10- Serve the Georgia Tkemali sauce alongside grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, or pork. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or used as a dipping sauce for bread. Enjoy the tangy flavors of this traditional Georgian condiment!

Nutritional Values :

Sour Plums:

• Calories: 46 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 9 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits

Sour plums are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. They also contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Garlic (raw):

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Protein: 6.4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g

benefits

Garlic is known for its medicinal properties and is rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Onion (raw):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Sugars: 4.7 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g

benefits

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Onions also contain prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Parsley):

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4.4 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g
• Sugars: 0.9 g
• Protein: 2.6 g
• Fat: 0.5 g

benefits

Fresh herbs are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cilantro is rich in vitamins A and K, dill is a good source of vitamin C and calcium, and parsley is high in vitamins K, C, and A. These herbs add flavor to dishes while also providing various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and supporting healthy digestion.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific varieties and preparation methods. When calculating the nutritional content of the sauce, keep in mind the proportions of each ingredient used in the recipe.