Hi Dr. Mamta and friends,
Recently i bought black cumin seeds from an Indian shop. I know it is there in some recipes of your site.
I was wondering if it has a different taste? is it used only for specific recipes? can it replace normal cumin seeds?
Thanks
Rajneesh, it is not very commonly used in the part of India where we come from. It is more from Kashmir and is often used in their cuisine, as well as in many Mogul type of dishes, hence its other name; Shahi Jeera. I don't think that its flavour is at all like cumin, it is different, hard to describe. Add a little to hot oil and inhale, you will know what I mean. I sometimes add it to Biryanies or meat curries. I am never 100% sure of its effect to be honest, but do like it, if that makes sense.
People do sometimes confuse it with Kalaunji (nigella) or even with caraway seeds.
Also read here; http://gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com/engl/Buni_per.html