What is ombalo, and what can you use instead?
Georgian pennyroyal mint for tkemali and its substitutes.
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.
Why
- Ombalo's botanical name is Mentha pulegium.
- It is ombalo that gives tkemali its recognisable fresh taste.
- 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.
Tip
Dried ombalo is sold at markets and spice shops and is easy to take home in a small bag.
Common misconception
Ombalo is ordinary mint.
What actually happens
It's pennyroyal, with a sharper taste; ordinary mint is only a substitute.
People also ask
- What can I substitute for ombalo?
Dish names and recipes vary across Georgia's regions; the most common versions are given here.
Georgian saucesRelated questions
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How do khinkali differ from manti?
Khinkali are a Georgian dish boiled in water, while manti come from Central Asian and Turkic cuisines and are steamed.
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Khinkali and khachapuri: whose dishes are they?
Both khinkali and khachapuri are Georgian dishes.
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Which cheese do you need for khachapuri?
In Georgia, khachapuri uses Imeretian cheese, a young brined cheese with a mild tang, and sulguni, which stretches well.
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How do you make khachapuri at home?
The easiest home khachapuri is Imeretian: make a dough of matsoni or kefir with flour, egg and baking soda, fill it with grated cheese, flatten it and fry in a pan or bake.