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What is ombalo, and what can you use instead?

Georgian pennyroyal mint for tkemali and its substitutes.

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Short answer

Ombalo is pennyroyal, a type of mint that Georgians add to tkemali sauce and some soups. It has a sharp, slightly bitter minty flavour. If you can't find ombalo, use regular mint mixed with thyme, and dried ombalo is sold at Georgian markets and spice shops.

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Why

  1. Ombalo's botanical name is Mentha pulegium.
  2. It is ombalo that gives tkemali its recognisable fresh taste.
  3. Fresh ombalo grows near water, hence the name marsh mint.

Details

A substitute changes the flavour, so add mint gradually and taste. Ombalo should not be used in large amounts; in cooking it is used as a spice.

People also ask

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Dish names and recipes vary across Georgia's regions; the most common versions are given here.

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