Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:23561264 - Herb and Spice Companion_146-256.indd 235 3/7/15 5:31 pm
(Text)ExOTIC SPICES- 235 –
Plant: Seeds
Water: Regularly, to keep the soil consistently moist
but not waterlogged; about one inch per week
Harvest: When the seedpods ripen, turn brown, and
start to dry, they are ready for harvest. Snip the stems
from their base or pull up the entire plant, then place in
a paper bag and hang to dry. Break or crush the seedpods to release the seeds, and
let them dry completely.
Care: If you’d like more plants, let the seeds fall to the ground and wait for a new
batch of seedlings. You can also sow fresh seeds yourself every month through early
summer to ensure a steady supply of nigella.In the Kitchen
Dishes: Breads, rice, curries, braises,
pickles, chutneys
Prep: Dry-roast or lightly fry nigella
seeds to bring out their nutty flavor. Use
them whole or grind in a mortar and
pestle (see pages 149–150).
Serve: Nigella is often paired with lamb,
beans, potatoes, and other root vegeta-
bles. Like sesame, poppy, and caraway
seeds, nigella makes a delicious spice for
savory breads, and it’s a common addi-
tion to Turkish varieties and Indian naan.
In panch phoron, an Indian spice blend,
nigella is lightly fried with mustard seeds,
cumin, fennel, and fenugreek then
added to lentil, veggie, and fish curries.SUBSTITUTIONS
- Black pepper
- Black sesame seeds
PAIRINGS
Fruits and Vegetables: beets,
carrots, cauliflower, eggplant,
green beans, leeks, lemons,
onions, oranges, peas, potatoes,
pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet
potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini
Proteins: almonds, beans, beef,
cheeses, chicken, eggs, fish and
seafood, lamb, nuts, pistachios,
pork, sausage
Seasonings: ajwain, allspice,
caraway, cardamom, chili
peppers, cilantro, cinnamon,
coriander seeds, cumin, dill,
fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger,
honey, horseradish, lemon juice
and zest, lime juice and zest, mint,
mustard, paprika, parsley, pepper,
rosemary, sage, savory, sesame
seeds, thyme, turmericJob:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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