Hops-Suneli: composition of favorite seasoning

The seasoning of hops-suneli, familiar to everyone today, whose composition we will consider in this article, is considered a traditional element of Georgian cuisine. But this is not entirely true, because it is successfully used by cooks of other Caucasian peoples, who also consider it to be their native, national one.

But, whatever it was, the hops-suneli composition has almost the same. True, in two versions. The first, shortened, is based on mixing dry fennel, marjoram, basil and coriander in equal proportions. Saffron and hot red pepper are the smallest of the total: the first - 0,1%, the second - 2%.

The full composition of hops-suneli 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 reduced version of the spice.

Why this seasoning includes exactly such herbs and spices, today no one will say. However, the features of the hops-suneli spice have 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 popular with us.

On the shelves of Soviet shops, hops-suneli, whose composition was then exotic for local people, appeared relatively recently - in the early eighties. Previously, laurel leaves, black pepper, parsley and dill were used on the territory of the USSR, experimenting with red pepper and garlic on holidays. However, a pleasantly smelling "overseas" seasoning with a cunning name quickly won the love and respect of Soviet housewives. Today, the hops-suneli, whose composition no longer surprises, is one of the most popular seasonings in Russia.

And if its property to emphasize and enhance the taste of meat and fish dishes is not a secret for anyone, then the opportunity to disclose legumes in all flavor range is unexpected 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 under consideration. But given the fact that there are a lot of them, it is almost impossible to do this within the framework of a short article. Therefore, note only those spices or herbs, which in our region are little known. For example, Fenugreek. It is also called in Russia shamballa, or fenugreek. It differs in that it contains a lot of protein, it is also rich in carbohydrates and various biologically active substances. Since ancient times it has been used in folk medicine as an anti-cold and bactericidal agent.

Chaiber is an herb that has been treated in Russia for a cold and cold. It also improves the digestive system, treats kidney and liver diseases. Basil has useful properties for the human body in such quantities that it is worthy of an individual article. In short, it protects against infections, destroys fungi and viruses, has an effective antipyretic and disinfecting effect. In addition, it calms the nervous system, refreshes the oral cavity and reduces the increased pressure.