Nigella Seeds

• Nigella seed is a black, drop-shaped seed that is traditionally used as a spice in Indian, Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, where its aromatic flavor and crunch make it particularly useful in bread and pastries. It is also used in curries, soups and stews.
• Nigella seed comes from the seeds of the flowering plant Nigella sativa, which is found throughout Turkey, Syria, and parts of Iraq.
• Nigella is sometimes referred to by other names, such as black cumin, black onion seed, and black sesame seed, which can lead to some confusion, as nigella is not related to any of these. Rather, it's a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes flowers such as the buttercup and delphinium.
• Nigella seeds have a strong aroma and a flavor profile that has notes of onion, oregano, and black pepper. The perception of these flavors can differ from person to person, and some may taste a slightly nutty flavor as well. These characteristics contribute to why savory dishes make a great pair with these savory seeds.

Cooking With Nigella Seed

• Nigella seeds are found frequently in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. This means you can find these seeds in curries and lentil dishes alike. Nigella seeds also pair well with root vegetable dishes, as well as squashes such as spiced butternut squash. Many Southern Asia meals can be found with Nigella sativa garnished on top or incorporated into their stir-fry. It's also used in making pilafs, curries, vegetable dishes, and pickles.
• A popular Bengal spice called panch phoron also includes nigella seeds along with other spices like fenugreek, mustard seed, fennel seed, and cumin seeds. A common use of nigella is in bread and pastries. Often in India, they mix nigella seeds into their traditional naan bread. There are many other unique ways to use nigella seeds; for instance, garnish on a salad for an extra crunch.
• One way to start using nigella seeds is to incorporate them into pancakes or scones. You can also use them much as you would use sesame seeds, like if you were making your own homemade crackers. They're also great sprinkled on eggs, in salad dressings, and since they pair well with dairy, they can be sprinkled on yogurt to add some flavor and crunch. One of the best ways to use nigella seeds is to sprinkle them on homemade breads or bagels before you bake them.