From garam masala to za'atar, we thought we knew all there was to know about spice blends ... until we stepped into Seattle's World Spice Merchants and discovered khmeli suneli, which is quickly becoming a favorite ingredient in our spice cupboard.
Apparently ubiquitous in Georgia (as in the country, not the state) and the Caucasus region, khmeli suneli is a complex and fragrant mixture of warm, nutty, grassy, and bitter flavors.
The combination of ingredients varies between households and spice merchants but khmeli suneli commonly contains fenugreek seeds and leaves, coriander, savory, and black peppercorns; other additions may include dill, bay leaves, mint, and dried marigold petals. The version from World Spice Merchants has cassia and cloves and is reminiscent of Indian masalas.
Traditionally used in stews and meat dishes, khmeli suneli also provides amazing depth of flavor to beans and roasted vegetables. Sometimes when we're poking around the kitchen, we just open the jar to enjoy a whiff, it's so wonderful. Have you cooked with this East-meets-West spice mix?
• Buy it: Khmeli Suneli at World Spice Merchants
• Get a recipe: Khmeli-Suneli Recipe at CHOW
Related: Spice Mix: Baharat
(Image: Emily Ho)
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I am really interested to try this. I wonder if it is at my local Persian grocery. I adore fenugreek and use seeds in some recipes (niter kebbeh) and dry leaves in others (kuku sabzi).
Hmm, I have everything in my spice cupboard except the dried marigold leaves! Never considered marigolds as an herb, but Perdue chicken company uses it in their chicken feed...
THIS IS AN AWESOME SPICE! My mom used it all the time. Where can i get it?
I discovered this spice when I visited Georgia almost 10 years ago. It was a taste I have not been able to find elsewhere! Used it in everything while I had it. The best!
I love it. Got mine from the Spice (Shop?) in London.
OMG! I didn't know World Spice is a real business! In my early days of learning Microsoft Office, the training examples frequently included World Spice--I thought it was a made up company!