Indian Spices Trail – 1

Indian Spices Trail is the journey of capturing color and shape of gorgeous Indian spices through my camera.

‘Indian cuisine’ and ‘spices’ – these two words should be synonymous. You can’t think of cooking something Indian without using any spice.

While shooting Indian Spices for Biryani in November I started growing interest in shape and color of spices. So I thought of asking two food photography genii Deeba and Simi to join me in this project Spice Trail. We have decided to shoot 3 spices in every month and share our work at blog. We might or might not share recipes with them.

Simi’s Indian Masala Dubba – 1

Deeba’s FOODTALK | THE MASALA DABBA #1. EXPLORING THE INDIAN SPICE BOX

Indian Spices for January: Carom, Nigella and Fenugreek Seeds

Ajwain or Carom: Ma used to give carom seeds as a digestion aid. In north Indian dishes use of carom seeds is very popular especially in Bread. While chewing the seeds it taste hot and bitter and will leave the tongue numb for a while. In recipes I crush them, which releases a strong fragrance.

It helps in Stomach ache, cold, Asthma, to dissolve Kidney Stone, Weight Loss,  reduces Gas and Flatulence, Acidity and Hyperacidity

Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek is used as herbs (fresh and dried) and spices. These amber colored seeds are used mainly in pickled dishes, five spice blend which is mainly used in daal and vegetable curries. Fenugreek leaves are used majorly in North Indian Indian curries.

The seeds are bitter in taste, which is why it is often roasted to reduce the bitterness. It is very famously known to cure Diabetes but it’s also known to cure arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, cure skin problems, treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux.

Nigella/Black Cumin: In Kolkata, there are two types of Bengali. One is from original West Bengal and rest is from East Bengal (Bangladesh). When the folks from east Bengal prepare every dish with nigella, you will find it rare among recipes from West Bengalis. I am sure I have confused you enough.

There is no doubt that nigella seeds have amazing ailing and medicinal effect. It’s known for curing high blood pressure, asthma, sore throat, and even cervical cancer.

The taste of nigella seeds is very unique – you should really try it to feel it.

Some of you have asked where do I buy my fabrics from. I don’t spend dollars on Restoration hardware or Crate and Barrel anymore. I go and find real artists from etsy and try to support their work. Rather than wasting my hard earned money on this stonewash tablecloth of RH I bought this pure handmade linen from LinenMile who lives in Lithuania.

The store address: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LinenMile