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Panch phoron
Five-seed spice mix
পাঁচ ফোড়ন: Bengal's five-seed tempering of fenugreek, nigella, cumin, black mustard and fennel, used whole (about 75 g jar)
Every Bengali and Odia kitchen keeps a jar of panch phoron within reach of the stove, because so much of the cooking begins with a teaspoon of it crackling in hot mustard oil. The five seeds, in equal measure, are left whole and never roasted or ground ahead: bitter fenugreek, oniony nigella (kalonji), earthy cumin, sharp black mustard and sweet fennel. Together they give a layered, slightly bittersweet aroma that is the signature of tomato chutney, cholar dal, labra, chorchori and the sweet-sour vegetable dishes of a Bengali lunch. In some traditional homes radhuni, a wild celery seed, replaces the mustard. Common mistake: tempering over a high flame. The fenugreek blackens in seconds and the whole dish tastes bitter. Chef's tip: let the oil heat until it just shimmers, add the panch phoron, and the moment the mustard starts popping and the fenugreek is reddish brown, add the vegetables or dal.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 15
Ingredients
For the blend
- 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tbsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp black mustard seedsor radhuni
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
To use
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (optional)per teaspoon of panch phoron
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Method
0/3 doneStep 1: Pick over 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds, 1 tbsp nigella seeds (kalonji), 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp black mustard seeds and 1 tbsp fennel seeds for any stones or husks.
3 minStep 2: Mix them in a bowl until evenly combined, then tip into a clean, dry, airtight jar. Store away from light for up to 6 months, and shake the jar before each use, since the small seeds sink.
2 minStep 3: To temper, heat 1 tbsp mustard oil in a pan over a high heat until it smokes lightly, then lower to medium and wait a few seconds. Add 1 tsp panch phoron and stir for 10–20 seconds, until the mustard pops and the fenugreek turns reddish brown, then add the vegetables or dal at once.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 12 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 2 g
- Fat
- 1 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does panch phoron take?
- About 5 minutes in total.
- How many people does it serve?
- 15 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of fenugreek seeds?
- Leave them out, or add a little extra mustard seed (you lose the slightly bitter, maple-like note).
- What can I use instead of cumin seeds?
- Ground cumin, three quarters of the amount (add it with the other ground spices, not to hot oil first).
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