Know more about Kalonji or Nigella seeds

Weekends call for comfort food. Since I love to sleep till late on weekends, I prefer to prepare a quick brunch. When I am not on a low carb diet, I can whip up a curry and bread within no time. How? By using different types of seeds and spices. You will be surprised how by tempering the oil/ kneading the dough with diverse spices you can create different flavors in your dishes. Read about all the Spices on Life Without Alu? and you too can prepare healthy and quick meals every time.

Debarshi usually cooks something gourmet and rich (like Mutton curry) for dinner on weekends and so I prefer something simple for brunch and tea. A bowl of potato curry straight from the stove top served with Paratha makes a perfect brunch. Later a bowl of Muri (puffed rice) with some homemade Namkeens make for the perfect tea time snack. As I always say, less time in the kitchen means more time with your loved ones.

With this thought in my mind, I decided to write today’s article on Nigella Seeds. Also known as Kalonji these seeds have a mild, nutty onion flavor. Nigella Seeds are widely used in the preparation of vegetarian dishes (like Bhindi Kalonji and Alur torkari) and Dals (Sweet Masoor). They are also an important ingredient in the spice mix called Panch Fhoron which in turn is used in a variety of dishes. Kalonji is also used on Naans and in Namkeens not only for presentation purposes but also for flavor. It may not have a strong aroma but it certainly has a warm toasted onion like flavor. 

You can use Kalonji in your dishes:

• As it is
• By dry roasting them
• By tempering the oil with them

Different recipes call for different methods of using them. I always recommend to read the entire recipe first and then start working on it. 

Nigella seeds is said to have many health benefits as well. They assist with fighting asthma and high blood pressure. They are said to cure pancreatic cancer and malaria and they are also high in antioxidants. So what do you know, they taste great and they do good to our body.

You can find Nigella seeds at your local Indian stores. Make sure to store the packet in an airtight container away from heat and light. Whole spices are easier to store and use and economical to buy. Just make sure to handle them well. 

Use Nigella Seeds in the following recipes:

• Bhindi Kalonji – Okra with Indian spices
• Kalo Jeere diye Alur Torkari (Bengali recipe: Potatoes with Nigella Seeds)
• Sweet Masoor Dal (Red Lentils Bengali style)
• Panch Fhoron
• Namkeen (Savory Deep Fried Indian Snacks)
• Jhinge Alu Posto (Ridge Gourd and Potatoes With Poppy Seeds)
• Baked Cumin / Nigella Seeds Namkeens
• Kalo Jeere Ghee diye Alur Torkari (Potatoes with Nigella Seeds and Ghee)
• Bhindi fried in Kalonji seeds
• Chichinda Pyaz Sabji (Snake gourd and Onion stir fry)
• Koraishuti’r Kochuri (Deep Fried Puffed Bread with Pea Filling)