What Is Nigella?
Nigella is a spice that is primarily used when making Indian flat breads, such as naan, and vegetarian dishes.
The spice has a strong, oregano-like aroma.
The Nigella spice seeds come from the Nigella Sativa plant that is widely grown in India. The seeds are very small and are black in color. The seeds themselves don’t have much of an aroma but the oregano-like aroma is released when the seeds are crushed or fried. The taste is bitter and a bit like cracked pepper.
Indian flat breads often have Nigella sprinkled onto them before being cooked and Nigella is also added to vegetarian dishes during their cooking.
There are lots of different names for Nigella and the main ones are Black Cumin (Nigella is NOT a type of cumin), Kalonji and Wild Onion Seed.
Nigella is readily available in most Indian stores and supermarkets (it might be sold as Kala Jeera, Shahi Jeera or Black Cumin).
Like most spices, Nigella does have some medicinal applications, the main ones being to treat indigestion and bowel problems.
