Tkemali – Georgian Plum Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
20
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Calories
27 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Georgian
Tkemali – Georgian Plum Sauce Recipe
Description
Tkemali – Georgian Plum Sauce Recipe combines ripe red plums with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices to create a vibrant condiment. The plums are quartered, simmered until soft, then pushed through a sieve to create a smooth base. Garlic, red chili pepper, fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, and peppermint, dried tarragon, and ground spices including coriander and khmeli suneli, are stirred into the plum puree along with pomegranate juice and sugar. The mixture simmers briefly to meld flavors and develop a sweet and sour profile characteristic of tkemali.
The sauce's texture is smooth with a slightly rustic consistency from the plum sieving, boasting a pungent, fresh herb aroma, and a balance of tartness and subtle sweetness. The method of preserving with olive oil atop the filled sterilized jars extends its shelf life and maintains flavor integrity.
Tkemali is versatile and traditionally served alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables like beets, and potatoes, or used as a dipping sauce or salad dressing base. Its robust flavor provides a refreshing counterpoint to rich or fried dishes, or as a distinctive accompaniment to bread and plant-based proteins.
Adjust sugar quantity according to plum tartness to suit taste preferences. The sauce keeps well refrigerated or in a cool place for up to three months, and better preservation can be achieved with proper jar sterilization and sealing techniques.
Ingredients
- 3 glass jars 220 ml or 8 oz, sterilized
- 2.2 lbs lbs or 1 kg plum ripe red
- 1/2 cup or 100 ml water
- 4-5 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 small red chili pepper finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons cilantro chopped (or 5 teaspoons dry, fresh
- 3 tablespoons dill chopped (or 3 teaspoons dry, fresh
- 2 teaspoons Peppermint chopped (or 2/3 teaspoon dry, fresh
- 1 tablespoon tarragon dried
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons khmeli suneli
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2/3 teaspoons black pepper ground
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate juice
- olive oil
Instructions
- Cut plums in quarters or halves, remove stones and place in a pot with a little water. Bring them to a boil over medium heat and simmer over medium low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When plums are soft, drain them using a sieve and keep the juice (it's delicious and healthy). Using a wooden spoon, rub plums through the sieve and transfer them back into the pot. Alternatively, pulse them in a blender.
- Add garlic, chili pepper, cilantro, dill, peppermint, dried tarragon, ground coriander, khmeli suneli, salt, sugar, black pepper and pomegranate juice. You might need more sugar if you use sour plums (see notes). Stir to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Pour the sauce into hot and dry jars. Cover with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to preserve. Seal and store in the fridge or in a cool place for at least 2-3 months. To store it longer, see the canning instructions below. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tkemali is a flavorful, nutrient-rich sauce that serves as an alternative to ketchup or cranberry sauce in Georgian cuisine.
- Adjust the sugar level to balance tartness depending on the plum type used.
- Use sterilized, hot, and dry jars, and pour olive oil on the surface before sealing for longer storage.
- The sauce pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, breads, and can be used as a dip or salad dressing component.
- This recipe yields approximately 650 ml (0.7 liquid quart) of sauce from 1 kg of plums.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 27 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 20g | |
| Calories | 27kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 106mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 221IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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