Best 6 Bengali 5 Spice Recipes

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Bengal's rich culinary history has crafted a unique blend of spices known as "Bengali 5-Spice." This symphony of flavors has captivated taste buds for generations, transcending regional borders and becoming an integral part of Bengali cuisine. The harmonious combination of cumin, coriander, fenugreek, nigella seeds, and mustard seeds forms the foundation of this magical spice blend, offering a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the serene villages of rural Bengal, the aroma of Bengali 5-Spice wafts through kitchens, beckoning food lovers on an aromatic journey into the heart of Bengali gastronomy.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

PANCH PHORON | PANCH PHORAN



Panch Phoron | Panch Phoran image

Panch phoron or panch phoran or panch masala is a blend of 5 aromatic spices used in Bengali cooking as well as in Eastern Indian cuisine. This spice blend looks colorful, attractive and is made of four bold, aromatic spices and one legume.

Provided by Dassana Amit

Categories     Condiment

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons nigella seeds ((kalonji))
2 tablespoons wild celery seeds ((radhuni) or mustard seeds (rai))
2 tablespoons fennel seeds ((saunf, mouri))
1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds ((methi dana))

Steps:

  • Mix all the spices in a bowl or directly in a small glass jar.
  • Tightly seal the jar. Store the panch phoron in a cool, dry place.
  • Shake the jar before each use to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Use the spices as required in the recipe. Usually panch phoron is tempered or fried in oil to release their flavors and then the other ingredients are added.

PANCH PHORON, BENGALI FIVE-SPICE



Panch Phoron, Bengali Five-Spice image

This is a blend of aromatic seeds. usually fried in oil or ghee before adding anything else to the pot, flavoring the oil and releasing the aroma of the oils in the seeds and causing them to pop in the pan. Other ingredients are added at this point, the mixture adding sweetness and bringing forward the flavors of vegetables like Bengali butternut squash, beef, fish or lentils.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Asian

Time 5m

Yield 5 teaspoons, 25 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon nigella seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon radhuni seeds or 1 teaspoon celery seed

Steps:

  • Mix all together, You can use less or more of your favorite seeds so adjust to taste.
  • Store out of light in a sealed jar.
  • This recipe is meant to be used as whole seeds roasted before using in a recipes to release the oils for more fragrance.
  • Roast in hot oil, until a strong aroma of each spice is released, and use the fragrant oil as a base to cook dal, meats or vegetables.
  • Roast in Vegetable oil (vegan), butter or ghee and add as seasoning to different dals or thick curries.

BENGALI 5-SPICE



Bengali 5-Spice image

A spice blend that is often used as a pickling mixture in East Indian cuisine. If you can find kalonji seeds, use it in place of the oregano.

Provided by Fran

Categories     Indian Recipes

Time 7m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

⅔ cup cumin seeds
⅓ cup fennel seeds
¼ cup black mustard seed
3 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds

Steps:

  • Combine the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, oregano, and fenugreek seeks in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; roast the spice mixture until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Spread the spices onto a large platter to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.4 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Fat 1.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 6.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

FISH WITH BENGALI 5-SPICES



Fish with Bengali 5-Spices image

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon Bengali 5-Spices (Panch-Phoran) or store-bought
1 1/2 to 2 pounds any firm fish fillets, such as halibut steaks or swordfish, about 3/4-inch thick, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup water
2 cups finely chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare the 5-spice mixture. Place the fish pieces in a large non-reactive bowl. Add the 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and salt and mix well, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 and up to 4 hours. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and fry the fish pieces (leave any juices in the bowl), in 2 or 3 batches if necessary, until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a bowl. 3. To the bowl with the fish juices, add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, cayenne pepper, and water and mix well to make a paste.4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet and add the panch-phoran they should splatter upon contact with the hot oil, so cover the pan until the splattering subsides. Quickly add the turmeric paste, stir about 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook until most of the juices evaporate, about 5 minutes.5. Mix in the fish, plus any juices that may have accumulated, and cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the cilantro on top, and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

BENGALI 5-SPICE



Bengali 5-Spice image

A spice blend that is often used as a pickling mixture in East Indian cuisine. If you can find kalonji seeds, use it in place of the oregano.

Provided by Fran

Categories     Indian Recipes

Time 7m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

⅔ cup cumin seeds
⅓ cup fennel seeds
¼ cup black mustard seed
3 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds

Steps:

  • Combine the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, oregano, and fenugreek seeks in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; roast the spice mixture until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Spread the spices onto a large platter to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.4 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Fat 1.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 6.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

PICKLED CARROTS WITH BENGALI FIVE-SPICE



Pickled Carrots With Bengali Five-Spice image

The pickled carrots are nicely seasoned with an aroma to delight. The Panch Phoron seed mixture consist of •Cumin seeds •Fennel seeds •Nigella seeds •Fenugreek seeds •Mustard seeds Makes great for gift giving or enjoy as a healthy snack.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Onions

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 8 ounces jars, 32 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons canning salt
7 garlic cloves
2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
1 onion, peeled and sliced
8 teaspoons panch phoron, Bengali Five-Spice (Panch Phoron, Bengali Five-Spice)

Steps:

  • Combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a large pot. Bring to boil then gently boil for 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic, carrots and onions and simmer till carrots are still crisp about 10 minutes.
  • Place 1 teaspoons Panch Phoron, Bengali Five-Spice in the bottom of each clean, hot pint jar.
  • Pack carrot mixture into sterilized 8-8 ounce jars. Leaving 1/2 - 1 inch head space. Remove air bubbles. wipe rim and place lids and rings on.
  • Place in a hot water bath for 15 minutes 0-1000 ft.
  • 20 minutes at1001-6000 ft or above 6000 ft for 25 minutes.
  • Remove jars lifting the jars out of the water and let them cool on a wooden cutting board or a towel, without touching or bumping them in a draft-free place. Remove the rings and wipe rims. They do taste great now but wait a couple days and they`ll be so much better.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 69.1, Fat 0.1, Sodium 166.1, Carbohydrate 15.8, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 14, Protein 0.3

Tips:

  • Use fresh spices: Whole spices are best, but ground spices can be used if necessary. If using ground spices, use half the amount of whole spices.
  • Toast the spices before use: This will release their flavor and aroma. To toast the spices, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  • Use a variety of spices: The five-spice blend is a good starting point, but you can also experiment with other spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek.
  • Start with a small amount of spices and adjust to taste: Spices can be overpowering, so it's best to start with a small amount and add more to taste.
  • Use the spice blend in a variety of dishes: The five-spice blend can be used in curries, soups, stews, marinades, and rubs.

Conclusion:

The Bengali five-spice blend is a versatile and flavorful addition to any kitchen. It can be used in a variety of dishes to add depth and complexity of flavor. With its unique blend of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors, the five-spice blend is sure to become a staple in your spice cabinet.

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