What is the Indian spice ajwain?
Ajwain seeds, also known as bishop’s weed, is an uncommon spice that’s found in certain areas of Asia. These tiny fruit pods is aromatic, has a slightly bitter and pungent taste, similar to thyme, only stronger. A tiny amount of raw ajwain seeds will over powder the flavor of a dish.
What is ajwain spice in English?
It goes by many other names, including carom seed, bishop’s weed, and ajowan caraway. Ajwain is common in Indian food. It has a strong, bitter taste with an aroma similar to thyme.
What is the taste of ajwain?
Although referred to as “seeds,” carom seeds are the fruit of the ajwain herb. They’re slightly green to brown in color and have a pungent, bitter taste. They look similar to cumin seeds, but their taste and aroma are closer to that of thyme.
What is ajwain good for?
Ajwain is a good source of soluble dietary fiber, and it is known to enhance the digestive system for stomach issues, improving intestine health. They also help in relieving the bloating. Ajwain seeds are beneficial in treating spasmodic pains, abdominal discomfort due to indigestion, heartburn, and loss of appetite.
Is ajwain and cumin same?
Both carrom (Ajwain) and cumin (jeera) seeds belong to the same family and are commonly available in every Indian kitchen. They are widely used in curries to enhance the flavour of the food.
What is a substitute for ajwain?
If you don’t have ajwain and you prefer to find an alternative you can easily substitute equal amounts of: Dried thyme. OR – Use a mild oregano such as Mexican oregano rather than the stronger Greek oregano. If all you have is Greek oregano then make sure to reduce the amount required by the recipe by about 1/3 to 1/2.
What can I substitute for ajwain?
If you don’t have ajwain and you prefer to find an alternative you can easily substitute equal amounts of:
- Dried thyme.
- OR – Use a mild oregano such as Mexican oregano rather than the stronger Greek oregano. If all you have is Greek oregano then make sure to reduce the amount required by the recipe by about 1/3 to 1/2.
What dishes use ajwain?
In Indian recipes, ajwain is used in curries and as a tadka in pakoras and dals, as well as a flavoring in breads. Middle Eastern recipes incorporate carom to boost the flavor of meat and rice dishes and as a preservative in chutneys, pickles, and jams.
How do you cook with ajwain?
Can ajwain reduce belly fat?
Ajwain is full of many medicinal properties, it strengthens the digestive system and reduces waist and abdominal fat rapidly.
Is ajwain the same as coriander?
Like coriander, cumin, and fennel, ajwain belongs to the Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae) family of plants. The shrub’s leaves are feather-like and the plant’s fruit—often referred to as seeds—are pale khaki-colored, ridged in texture, and oval-shaped.
Is ajwain same as fennel?
Fennel seeds are larger and have a milder flavor profile than the ajwain seed. They’re also slightly sweeter in taste. Ajwain has a sharper flavor profile and is used in dishes to balance out flavors. They are often dry roasted or fried before use, but can also be added whole when cooking.
What is ajwain in Indian cooking?
In Indian cooking, Ajwain is often part of the tadka in a dish. Tadka, or tempering, is a cooking method in which oil or butter (most often ghee) is heated until very hot and whole spices are added and fried, creating what is called a chaunk. It is used in small quantities and almost always used cooked.
Can you buy ajwain powder in India?
Ajwain is mostly sold in seed form since it is rarely if ever used as a powder in Indian cooking. If you ever require the powdered form, it is advisable to buy the seeds and grind them at home as required. In Indian cooking, Ajwain is often part of the tadka in a dish.
What are ajwain seeds?
Ajwain seeds are derived from a herb plant of family Apiaceae. They are oval in shape and are highly aromatic. They vary from slightly green to brown in color.
What is ajwain essential oil?
Hydrolysis of ajwain seeds yields an essential oil consisting of Thymol, gamma – terpinene, p – cymene as well as 20% trace compounds. ( predominantly terpenoids). Ajwain gives instant relief from acidity and indigestion. The enzymes in ajwain facilitate the release of gastric juices, thus improving the digestive functions.