I remember seeing a small bottle full of nigella seeds on my grandfather’s bedside table. He had a habit to consume a couple of seeds everyday and would also put a pinch of seeds in our mouth as he took a few himself.
Later, I learned Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has emphasised on the importance of the seeds.
“Kalonji seeds have a cure for all illnesses, with the exception of death.”
In cooking, Kalonji seeds, or nigella seeds add the aroma and its nutty flavour. Beyond their culinary charm, nigella seeds serve amazing health benefits and desi totka.
Nigella seeds have been used in traditional medicine or Ayurveda for centuries. They have high antioxidant and essential fatty acids.
I remember, my grandmother had a special kalonji seed oil which she used on days her knee pains became unbearable.
The tiny seeds are a powerhouse and wonder in itself. From boosting the immune system to aiding digestion, these tiny treasures offer a wealth of wellness perks.
Let's explore how these nigella seeds were used in my house and what benefits they hold.
Wonders of Nigella Seeds in The Kitchen
Complementing Mix Sabzis
The taste and aroma nigella seeds give to mix sabzi is unbeatable.
Be it mixing sabzi with carrots, cauliflower, peas or just a simple aloo ki bhujiya, adding kalonji seeds makes a big difference. The bitterness of the seeds amazingly complements the sweet taste of vegetables.
You can simply throw a teaspoon of nigella seeds while your sabzi is cooking or add it to your sabzi tadka.
An Essential in Meethi Imli Chutney
If you are a Gol Gappa fan like me, you must know that the meethi gur and imli chutney always have nigella seeds. The nigella seeds remove the extra sweetness of the gur and make imli less tangy.
Making imli chutney is very easy, visit our imli ki chutney recipe to get the ultimate recipe.
Making Baking Aesthetic
Be it buns or bread, nigella seeds give the buns an aesthetic finish they require. Simply sprinkling some nigella seeds adds texture and taste to your buns.
Just before you put your buns in the oven, brush some beaten egg on the top surface.
Sprinkle nigella seeds along with sesame seeds and poppy seeds. This will not only make your buns appealing but also give a nice gold crunch.
Blessing Homemade Nimco
Who doesn't like homemade nimco alongside a good masala chai or a foamy cappuccino?
This homemade nimco is a staple in my house especially during Ramadan. While you are making the dough for your nimco add a tablespoon of nigella seeds. Make sure not to go overboard or else your nimco will become bitter.
Perfect In Kachoris
Kachoris make the best breakfast, of course after halwa puri *wink*
Kachoris also have nigella seeds in both, the puris and the aloo tarkari. Nigella is considered the important ingredient of kachori, blessing it with its peppery taste and aroma.
The Achari Tadka
How can you forget achar when you talk about kalongi seeds?
Nigella seeds are added in achar during the fermentation process to keep away unwanted bacterial contamination. Other than that when I make achar gosht, I add nigella seeds to give it an achar-like taste.
Ayurvedic Use of Nigella Seeds
Nigella seeds are celebrated for their numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, they have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
The Morning Tonic
Back in the day, people used to treat their chest congestion, flu and fever with kalonji water.
Take a teaspoon of kalongi seeds and soak it in drinking water overnight. In the morning bring the water to boil and remove the seeds. Drink this water on an empty stomach.
Nigella seed water tends to cure hormonal disbalances and help clear the digestive tract. Some researchers also claim it to be beneficial for burning fat.
Powdered With Other Powerhouses
My mother used to mix equal parts of nigella seeds, linseed, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and edible gum. She dry roasted them and blended them into a powder.
Then she used to mix it in lukewarm water and have it once in the morning and once before sleeping.
This blend is very beneficial to lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, oxidize and increase blood and help improve neural activity.
The Beneficial Extract; Kalonji Oil
When nigella seeds are cold-pressed they give us the most valuable potion in the form of kalonji oil.
Black seed oil is considered a powerful immune booster in Ayurveda. It is thought to enhance the body's defence mechanisms against infections and diseases. All thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Take a look at the detailed review of nigella oil in the blog on Black Seed oil.
Bottom line
Explore the endless benefits and ayurvedic magic nigella seeds hold. Leave all the unessential on-the-counter medicines and try using these desi nigella seeds totkas today.
Get everything you need from Save Co Online, and get ready to start your journey the natural way.
