Fenugreek

Recent posts reminded me of Suneli - the popular spice mix in Georgian national cuisine. It is predominantly fenugreek and coriander along with other spices and fenugreek makes it as Jenise says, mystical and lingering. A Russian speaking friend brought some back after a recent visit and made a fresh coriander, walnut pesto using the Utskho Suneli and I couldn't stop eating it for trying to "get" the flavors which were so unusual and delicious. It is used in salads, for meats and fish dishes. Utskho means exotic and it certainly is. Highly recommended if you ever happen on it . I found a recipe for Khmeli Suneli on line but I haven't made it to know if it is the same as I have in the Utskho, a commercial package written in Georgian.
I am working on a menu for the "Ethnic Sunday" Georgian meal in March and I will likely use this spice mix for some dishes.

[Jenise]

Christina, I don't know how I missed this post, but I did. Fenugreek is so interesting and I've not heard of this blend. I wonder, though, if World Spice carries this blend? They have all kinds of unusual and worldly blends like Vaudouvan and Ras al Hanoot (sp?), stuff that's for essentially the opposite of the Chicken Taco Seasoning and BBQ 3000 kind of Americana customer that Penzey's caters to. I just placed an order with World Spice earlier this week and was very impressed with their website. Others here, like Jeff Grossman, have praised WS before but this is my first time ordering from them.

Jenise,
You would likely find it in a store selling Russian products if not at SW. I am going to mix up a batch form the posted recipe and if similar will send the link.

Had a dish just this weekend at an Old Russian New Year celebration - chicken baked in a lemon garlic marinade with the walnut fenugreek seasoned paste - it was outstanding. I understand that this is a "classic" Georgian item.

Satsivi! I want to make this dish.

[Jenise]

Christina, that sounds SO good. Russian, eh? We actually have a number of little Russian markets around here--we have a large immigrant Russian population that is to our area as Cubans are to Florida and Puerto Ricans to New York--that I don't visit often enough, certainly haven't for spices. They always have interesting breads and sausages that grab all my attention. I'll have to go back soon and check that out.

Satsivi...that's the one. It is delicious and very easy but you need the fenugreek

I found this recipe for khmeli-suneli on www.chow.com:

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 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves
2 teaspoons dried ground marigold petals
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground fenugreek seeds
2 crushed bay leaves

Dried fenugreek leaves can be found at Indian markets ("methi" is the word for fenugreek in both Hindi and Urdu). Dried marigold petals (Calendula flower) seem to be harder to find.

-Paul W.

we have a large immigrant Russian population that is to our area as Cubans are to Florida and Puerto Ricans to New York

By which you mean largely assimilated and overshadowed by several decades and multiple waves of more recent immigrants from the same broader region??

[Jenise]

What kind of question is that? Geez. I meant: this area's largest immigrant population, and large enough to have immigrant-owned grocery stores that carry their ethnic specialties.

Just about to embark on a new adventure with fenugreek - sprouts. There is such a dearth of good greens at this time of year and I always have a batch of sprouts going but getting tired of broccoli and radish sprouts. Johnny's Seed Catalog has a nice selection of sprouting seeds including fenugreek and my order is in. Will let you know how they turn out

[Jenise]

Wow, yes DO share when you get those going. Will be interesting to learn if the sprouts carry the same caramelly flavor as (more) mature greens.