Fenugreek

What Is Çemen?

Çemen is a paste-like spice mix made mainly from ground fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) mixed with plenty of garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Its best-known use is coating pastırma (cured beef).

It has a distinctive, spicy, slightly bitter-earthy aroma. In Turkish, "çemen" is used to refer to both this paste and its main ingredient, fenugreek seed.

Nutritional Values of Çemen

Since çemen is used in very small amounts (as a coating or condiment), its contribution to a meal's nutritional value is limited; therefore no detailed nutrition table is given here. Its value comes from its intense aroma.

How Should Çemen Be Used?

Since çemen has an intense aroma, it is used sparingly; its most common form is coating pastırma, and it is also used to add a spicy note to some dishes. Its plentiful garlic gives it a strong flavor.

This information is general; çemen is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Çemen Chosen?

Good çemen (paste) is fresh, has a vivid color, smells pleasantly spicy, and has a proper consistency. Sour, moldy, or bad-smelling paste should be avoided. Powdered fenugreek seed should be vividly colored and strong-smelling.

• Should be fresh and smell pleasantly spicy
• Should not be sour or moldy
• Powdered fenugreek should be vividly colored

How Is Çemen Stored?

Prepared çemen paste is stored in the fridge in a sealed container; since it contains water, it spoils quickly at room temperature. Powdered fenugreek seed keeps for a long time in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place.

Using Çemen in the Kitchen

Çemen is used most for coating pastırma; it's also used in some regional dishes, soups, and spice blends (as fenugreek seed in curries and pastes). The paste form is used for coating meat, while the powder form is used as a spice.

Are Çemen and Fenugreek the Same?

Fenugreek is the seed of the plant; çemen (paste) is that seed turned into a paste with garlic, pepper, and water. One is the raw material, the other is the mixture made from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is çemen used on pastırma?

Çemen paste coats the pastırma, giving it its characteristic aroma and outer layer; it also contributes to the traditional drying-curing process by covering the surface.

Is çemen bitter?

Fenugreek seed is naturally slightly bitter; the red pepper added to the paste can also add heat. Its overall flavor is spicy and sharp, used in a way that isn't overly dominant.

Can çemen paste be made at home?

Yes; ground fenugreek seed, crushed garlic, red pepper, and water are mixed into a paste consistency. The consistency and spice ratio are adjusted to taste.