Nigella seeds are a common ingredient in many recipes, but sometimes they can be hard to find. If you’re looking for Nigella seed substitutes, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will give you 9 Nigella seed substitutes you can use in different recipes. So if you’re looking for a way to make your favorite recipe without Nigella seeds, this blog post is for you.
Nigella seeds are a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Nigella seeds, also known as ‘Kalonji’ or ‘black seeds,’ are popular ingredients in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. I came to know about Nigella’s seeds or Kalonji in Mango pickles. It is an essential ingredient in many pickles. Usually, Nigella seeds are not added to dishes cooked daily, but sometimes they are added to unique dishes like naan or pickles.
From adding flavor and texture to curries and rice dishes to combining them with vegetables for a crunchy veggie side, Nigella seeds add unique flavors and aromas to the food. However, due to the unavailability of Nigella seeds in some areas, it can be challenging to get your hands on them sometimes.
Fortunately, several great Nigella seed substitutes can help you achieve similar flavors – from caraway seeds to black onion seeds. In this blog post, we’ll discuss thirteen Nigella seed substitutes that can be used in various recipes, such as curries, potatoes, salads, and other foods. So next time you’re short of Nigella Seeds but still want that flavor-filled meal, check out the suggestions below!
Nigella seed substitutes
Searching for the perfect ingredient can be daunting, and finding Nigella seeds can fit that category. The good news is there are many substitutes for these little black gems, which makes finding the perfect recipe much more effortless.
Here are 9 Nigella seed substitutes that you can use in various delightful recipes ranging from bread and cakes to curries and spices. With options such as caraway and sesame seeds, Oregano, poppy seeds, and mustard seeds, you won’t be sacrificing any flavor when finding a suitable substitute. So no matter where you are, you now have plenty of Nigella seed substitutes to choose from to complete a fantastic recipe.
1. Cumin seeds (One of the best Nigella seed substitutes for curries)
Cumin Seeds are an excellent option for Nigella seed substitutes and have the added benefit of being widely available in most supermarkets. They are similar in flavor, so they can be used as a substitute without drastically altering the taste of your recipes.
Cumin seeds have a depth of flavor that has made them popular for centuries- this is why they work well for substituting Nigella seeds in dishes like curries, Indian pickles, and savory baked goods. When using cumin seeds instead of Nigella, add a little extra warmth to your recipes to make up for the lack of the signature bursts of flavor given by Nigella, which may not come through with cumin.
2. Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds have a pleasant, sweet flavor reminiscent of aniseed and can easily be used as an excellent substitute for nigella seeds in many dishes. When using fennel seeds as a replacement, they should be lightly toasted first to unlock their lovely aromatics and enhance the flavor before adding them to your recipes.
Fennel seeds provide texture and depth of flavor when included in bread and pancakes or on top of rice dishes. You can also try crushing or grinding them up to make a seasoning powder that pairs particularly well with vegetables and salad.
By swapping out one seed for another, you’ll find yourself experiencing interesting new flavors in the kitchen.
3. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds have a slightly bitter taste and are commonly used as a spice in Indian cuisine. They can be used instead of nigella seeds in curries or pickles.
If you’re looking for a good substitute for nigella seeds in your Indian cooking, fenugreek seeds are an excellent option. They have a slightly bitter flavor and provide a nice hitting kick to rice dishes or curries. You can also try lightly roasting them before adding them, bringing out their warm, nutty flavor. Fenugreek seed is also packed with minerals like iron and magnesium so that you can enjoy the tasty benefits of your recipe as well as excellent health at the same time.
4. Black sesame seeds (Best Nigella seed substitutes)
Black sesame seeds have a nutty flavor and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Black sesame seeds are an excellent alternative to Nigella for adding texture and nutty flavor to dishes. However, they have a slightly more robust flavor than the white variety, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly if using them instead of Negalla seeds.
Black sesame seeds are best for use in Naans instead of Nigella seeds.
5. White sesame seeds
White sesame seeds are an excellent substitute for Nigella. They are slightly milder in flavor and texture, so you may want to adjust the amount used depending on your recipe. They can also be lightly toasted beforehand to bring out their nutty aroma and flavor.
White sesame seeds are a great addition to bread, crackers, salads, and other recipes that require a crunchy topping or garnish.
6. Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are spicy and can be used instead of Nigella in many dishes.
Mustard seeds are an excellent substitute for Nigella when adding heat and spice to dishes. They can easily be used in place of Nigella in curries, rice dishes, or even salads. Mustard seeds have unique flavors, so you may want to adjust the amounts used accordingly depending on your recipe.
7. Caraway seeds
Caraway seeds have a sweet and spicy flavor similar to that of cumin and can be used in place of Nigella in many dishes.
They have a unique sweetness with hints of spice that make them perfect for curries, soups, stews, and salads. If you are adding caraway seeds to curries, crackle them in little oil and add them to the recipe for the best results.
8. Oregano
I know oregano is a bit difficult to compare, but it is similar to the flavor of nigella seeds and can be used in place of them.
Oregano might seem like an unusual substitute for Nigella, but if you’re looking for a way to add a unique flavor to your dishes, this is worth trying. Oregano has a spicy flavor similar to that of Nigella, so adding oregano may give you a similar flavor to Nigella seeds.
9. Poppy seeds
You can also try poppy seeds instead of Nigella seeds. Poppy seeds have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that is perfect for enhancing the flavors of bread, crackers, salads, and more.
They are also rich in calcium and can provide significant health benefits. Try lightly toasting them beforehand to bring out their flavor before adding them to your dishes.
Nigella seeds substitute Naan
If you like sesame seeds, you can also use them on naan. I don’t use Nigella seeds on naan due to personal preference and use dried fenugreek leaves instead. You can try this even without garlic. If you are a garlic fan, use it anyway.
Garlic and cilantro are great alternatives to using nigella seeds in naan. This combination creates a flavorful and aromatic naan that all will surely enjoy. Mix minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and some sea salt, then spread the mixture onto the surface of your naan before baking. The result will be a delicious and fragrant naan.
Can I use poppy seeds instead of nigella seeds?
Yes, poppy seeds are a great alternative to nigella seeds. Both seeds are tiny but have different flavor profiles.
Poppy seeds don’t have that herbaceous, grassy flavor like Nigella seeds. Instead, they have a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the flavors of bread, crackers, salads, and more.
Poppy seeds are also rich in calcium and zinc and provide various health benefits. Nigella seeds are rich in iron and copper and can provide multiple health benefits.
Can I substitute Nigella seeds with mustard seeds?
Yes, mustard seeds can be used as a substitute for Nigella seeds. Both have intense flavors, but the taste of mustard seeds is more intense and spicy than Nigellas. Mustard seeds are commonly used as a flavoring in Indian cuisines, such as curries, rice dishes, salads, and dips.
Therefore, the number of mustard seeds used in a recipe may need to be adjusted depending on the flavor desired. Mustard seeds can also provide various health benefits as well.
When using mustard seeds as an alternative to Nigella, it is essential to note that some flavors and textures will differ. The final dish may not have the same taste or texture as one prepared using Nigella seeds.
Can I substitute cumin seeds for Nigella seeds?
Yes, cumin seeds can be used as a substitute for Nigella seeds. Cumin is often used in Indian cuisine and has a slightly earthier flavor than Nigella. It is important to note that the amount of cumin needed may need to be adjusted depending on the recipe and desired taste.
In addition, cumin has a more robust flavor than Nigella so it may overpower other flavors.
Cumin may provide various health benefits as well.
Are Nigella seeds the same as Chia seeds?
No, Nigella seeds and Chia seeds are not the same. Nigella seeds (also known as kalonji) have a grassy, herbaceous flavor with hints of onion and oregano. They are used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine for seasoning dishes such as curries, rice dishes, salads, and pickles.
Chia seeds have a mild nutty flavor and are used as an additive in many foods, such as smoothies, energy bars, yogurt, and cereal. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. Chia seeds provide various health benefits as well.
They have different flavor profiles and uses, so they cannot be used interchangeably. However, either can be used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
Where to buy Nigella seeds?
Nigella seeds can usually be found in the spice aisle of most Middle Eastern or Indian grocery stores. You can also buy them online from specialty spice shops and Amazon.
Check the label before buying to ensure that the seeds you’re getting are authentic nigella seeds. They are generally sold in small packets or jars, and their prices vary depending on the brand. It is best to buy them in small quantities as they have a short shelf life.
Which is the Best Nigella seed substitute?
There are many alternatives to using nigella seeds in cooking and baking. From fenugreek to poppy seeds, each ingredient can provide a unique flavor and texture that elevates your recipes from ordinary to extraordinary.
In my opinion, black Sesame seeds are the best option to use in place of Nigella seeds. It depends a lot on the type of recipe you are making and the flavors you want in your recipe.
