When it comes to spices, black cumin seeds, or Nigella sativa, are often overshadowed by more well-known spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. However, this humble seed holds a rich history of culinary and medicinal use, earning its title as a “panacea” or a cure-all in many cultures and commonly known as Kala Jeera in India.
In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits and uses of black cumin seeds, how you can incorporate them into your everyday meals, and why Aap Ka Bazar® is the perfect monthly grocery app/website/store(s) to source this spice.
Black cumin seeds, often referred to as kalonji in South Asia, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Known for their rich nutritional profile and therapeutic properties, these tiny seeds are packed with health benefits. Their slightly bitter, peppery taste with hints of onion and oregano makes them a versatile spice in many global cuisines. From curries to baked goods, black cumin seeds can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use them in cooking:
- Tempering for Curries and Lentils
One of the most common uses of black cumin seeds is in tempering or “tadka.” Heating the seeds in hot cooking oil releases their flavors, which can then be added to curries, dals, and vegetable dishes. Here’s how you can use them:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee (available up to 50% discount)
- Add a teaspoon of black cumin seeds (available with 41% Discount) and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour this spiced oil over a lentil or vegetable curry for a rich, aromatic boost.
This method works wonderfully for simple dishes like dal tadka, aloo baingan (potato and eggplant curry), or even mixed vegetable stews.
- Spice Blends
Black jeera seeds are often used in spice blends like garam masala or panch phoron, a five-spice blend used in Bengali cooking. You can add black cumin seeds to your homemade spice mixes for seasoning curries, soups, or roasted vegetables.
To make your own masala mix with black cumin seeds:
- Toast black jeera seeds along with other spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and cardamom.
- Grind them to a fine powder, and use the blend to season your dishes.
- All these spices are available in the Aap Ka Bazar® application/website/stores in amazing quality, handpicked, and premium packaging with up to 41% discount.
- Bread Topping
In Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, cumin black seeds are often sprinkled on flatbreads like naan, roti, or pita before baking or simply buy Gm Foods Tawa Naan starting ₹78 from the Aap Ka Bazar® application that gives you a ready-to-cook naan recipe mix at your doorstep in the whole of Delhi and NCR.
This imparts a slightly earthy, peppery flavor to the bread, making it a perfect accompaniment to rich curries or dips like hummus.
To use them as a topping:
- Brush your dough with Pomace olive oil or Prabhas ghee before baking (both available at the Aap Ka Bazar® application with buy1 Get1 Free on MRP offer)
- Sprinkle a generous amount of black cumin seeds on top.
- Bake as usual for a fragrant, crispy finish.
- Salads and Pickles
Black cumin seeds can add a surprising burst of flavor to salads and pickles. Their distinct taste pairs well with tangy, sour ingredients. Toss a teaspoon of roasted black cumin seeds into green salads, or mix them into yogurt-based dressings and raita for a bold twist.
(Note: For seasoning yogurt-based dishes, you can choose Catch Raita Masala, enriched with kala jeera and available starting at just ₹42 on the Aap Ka Bazar® application).
Kala Jeera is also often used in pickling to enhance the flavor of…
mango pickle (available with buy1 get1 free on MRP offer)
lime pickle (available with buy1 get1 free on MRP offer)
or mixed vegetable pickles (available with a 31% discount)
To make your own pickle at home stock up your kitchen with all the ingredients from the Aap Ka Bazar® application and save up to 75% of your monthly grocery budget.
- Beverages and Herbal Teas
Kala Jeera seeds can be used to brew herbal tea that is both flavorful and beneficial for digestion. Simply boil water, add a teaspoon of black cumin seeds, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. You can sweeten the tea with honey or add a slice of lemon for a refreshing, detoxifying drink.
Prepacked herbal tea or green tea bags are also available at the Aap Ka Bazar® application when you are looking forward to making herbal tea but have less time. You can find brands like Organic India tea, Lipton tea, Tetley tea, Eco Valley tea, Twinings tea, and many more options to choose from to get an on-time home delivery across Delhi and NCR.
- In Rice Dishes
Add black cumin seeds to rice dishes for an earthy, fragrant flavor. When preparing rice, you can sauté the kalonji seeds in oil before adding rice and water. This method works well with simple basmati rice or more elaborate dishes like biryani and pulao.
Gauri dubar basmati rice, Daawat basmati rice, India gate basmati rice, Aap Ka Bazar premium basmati rice, and many more options are available just under one roof, Aap Ka Bazar®. A monthly grocery app/website/store(s) to give up to 50% off on all branded rice.
For a quick recipe:
- Heat cooking oil in a pan.
- Add a teaspoon of black cumin seeds and let them pop.
- Stir in pre sorted basmati rice, cook for a minute, then add water and cook as usual.
- In Soups and Stews
Sprinkle a pinch of black cumin seeds over your favorite soups or stews for an extra layer of flavor. They work well in lentil soups, vegetable stews, or even creamy tomato-based soups.
- Roasted Vegetables
Toss roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini with black cumin seeds. The seeds’ nutty, slightly bitter taste complements the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, adding a new dimension to simple side dishes.
To use black cumin in roasted vegetables:
- Drizzle your vegetables with olive oil.
- Sprinkle a mix of black cumin seeds, salt, and pepper
- Roast until tender and golden brown.
With the availability variety of brands and products at the Aap Ka Bazar® application you can almost make anything at home for your family and friends because here the deals and offers are unbeatable.
Black cumin seeds are a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavor of many dishes whether used in tempering, sprinkled on breads, or added to soups and salads, these tiny seeds bring a rich, aromatic quality to any meal. If you’re looking for a flavorful way to spice up, you’re cooking while also reaping health benefits, black cumin seeds are a must-have in your spice cabinet.
Get all these mentioned products from your reliable monthly grocery app/website/store(s) Aap Ka Bazar®, here you will get a variety of products from different national and international brands without paying the MRP.
Aap Ka Bazar® provides up to 50% off on spices, up to 75% off on other edibles, and up to 88% off on cosmetics, both in their online platform and stores. You can visit AKB stores in Dwarka Sector 7, Sector 12, Sector 23, or the Mahavir Enclave or download the Aap Ka Bazar® application now! to get an on-time home delivery across Delhi and NCR.
With our commitment to quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction, Aap Ka Bazar® is your one-stop destination for all your grocery needs including pulses, grains, dry fruits, rice, ready-to-serve meals, ready-to-eat snacks, ready-to-cook food, beverages, organic edibles, toiletries, cosmetics, baby care, pet essentials, and more.
At Aap Ka Bazar®, you can find premium black cumin perfect for all your cooking needs while enjoying experimenting with this powerful spice in your kitchen! #yahsabmilega
