Khmeli Suneli
By: Anonymous

About

Khmeli Suneli is a mix of dried herbs and spices consisting of: coriander, dill, basil, bay leaf, marjoram, fenugreek, parsley, black pepper, celery, thyme, hyssop, mint, hot pepper and saffron or safflower; popular in the Caucasus region, especially in Georgia.

Information
Translations: Khmeli sūnelį, Khmeli suneli, Хмели Сунели, Хмелі сунелі, Khmeli苏内利, Кхмели Сунели, Khmeli SUNÊLIA


Physical Description
The pale gold to light brown mixture consists of combining 2 tablespoons dried marjoram, 2 tablespoons dried dill, 2 tablespoons dried summer savory, 2 tablespoons dried mint, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 2 tablespoons ground coriander, 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves, 2 teaspoons dried ground marigold petals, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds, and 2 crushed bay leaves according to one popular recipe.
According to many others, it contains hot spices, usually red pepper flakes or dried, ground chiles.
Colors: Pale gold to light brown 


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Spicy, rthnic, familiar
Mouthfeel: Spicy
Food complements: Vegetables, Turkey, Chicken, Fish
Wine complements: Red wine, Zinfandel
Substitutes: Herbs


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Choosing: Choose Khmeli-suneli that has a fresh aroma and nothing dull. Usually they can last for days.
Buying: It is available in single-serving packets in most Russian stores. Khmeli Suneli are also on ebay, and also sold through its own website. They "masterfully prepare" other herb and spice blends too , and package their concoctions in rather touchingly decorated little boxes, as you see. Concerned with freshness, they have hand written expiry dates on the interior ziplock bags. 
Procuring: You can make your own khmeli-suneli by combining equal amounts of ground coriander seeds, cloves, black pepper, fenugreek seeds and leaves, basil leaves, bay leaves, marjoram, savory, mint, hyssop, dill, and parsley. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. 


Preparation and Use
Khmeli-suneli is a traditional blend of spices. Khmeli Suneli is the ideal flavor for meat & fish, hot & cold meals, including vegetable, turkey, & chicken.


Conserving and Storing
Powder can be stored in a cool, dry place indefinitely. However, it is a good idea to pack it as airtight as possible, as it is highly fragrant.


Social/Political
Georgia is well known for the subtle blends of herbs in its khmeli-suneli, which is used liberally to flavor kharchio, a thick, stewlike soup made from beef, lamb, or chicken. In Georgia, the pale gold to light brown mix can be purchased in many variations.The traditional Georgian seasoning Khmeli Suneli is made from an ancient Georgian recipe of dried spicy herbs.