Panch Phoron - Indian 5-Spice

Panch Phoran is a Bengali spice mixture used to provide a base flavoring to many Indian recipes. The flavors drift from one to another with each bite, giving the spices a chance to surprisingly show the unique flavor rather than disappearing in a blur of spices ground together. The spices themselves are commonly found in Indian markets (at a much better price as well!), although some high end supermarkets may have them, provided their shelf space allows it. If you cannot find your spices there, I strongly suggest buying on the internet.

• Ready In: 7 mins
• Yields: 1/3 cup

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon nigella seeds
• 1  tablespoon black mustard seeds
• 1  tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1  tablespoon fennel seed
• 1  tablespoon cumin seed

Directions

1. Mix seeds and store in an airtight container. Do NOT grind them before storage or cooking (they are used whole).
2. When using in a recipe, add the mixed seeds into a pan with ghee or cooking oil.
3. When they sizzle and pop a little bit, begin adding the other ingredients to the pan.