The seasoning of hops-suneli, 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 has been successfully used by cooks of other Caucasian peoples, who also consider it to be originally their own, national.
But be that as it may, the hops-suneli composition is almost the same. True, in two versions. The first, shortened, is based on a mixture of dry dill, marjoram, basil and coriander in equal proportions. Saffron and hot
red pepper make up the smallest of the total: the first - 0.1%, the second - 2%.
The full composition of the Suneli hops 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 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 a meat or fish dish without it. But it is also popular with us.
On the shelves of Soviet shops, hops-suneli, the composition of which was then completely exotic for local people, appeared relatively recently - in the early eighties. Before that, in the USSR, bay leaf, black pepper, parsley and dill were used as seasoning, experimenting with red pepper and garlic on holidays. However, the pleasantly smelling “overseas” seasoning with its ingenious name quickly won the love and respect of the Soviet hostesses. Today, Suneli hops, the composition of which no longer surprises anyone, is one of the most popular seasonings in Russia.
And if its ability to emphasize and enhance the taste of meat and fish dishes is not a secret for anyone, then the opportunity to reveal legumes in the whole range of flavors is a surprise for many. And you try! Any dishes from peas, beans, lentils will “sound” in a new way, if you season them with hops-suneli.
I would like to dwell in more detail on the properties of all the components of the seasoning in question. But given the fact that there are a lot of them, it is almost impossible to do this in a short article. Therefore, we note only those spices or herbs that are little known in our area. For example, fenugreek. He is also called in Russia shambhala, or fenugreek. It differs in that it contains a lot of protein, is also rich in carbohydrates and various biologically active substances. Since ancient times used in folk medicine as a cold and bactericidal agent.
Savory - a herb that has long been treated in Russia with a runny nose and a cold. It also improves the digestive system, treats kidney and liver diseases. Basil has properties useful for the human body in such quantities that it is worthy of a single article. In short, it protects against infections, destroys fungi and viruses, has an effective antipyretic and disinfectant effect. In addition, it calms the nervous system, refreshes the oral cavity and reduces high blood pressure.