Monsoon Coast Bengali Panch Phoron

The cuisine of West Bengal relies heavily on the earthy flavour of Panch Phoron, a mixture of cumin, black mustard, fennel, fenugreek and nigella seed. It is literally the Bengali Five-Spice, but you’ll find it in cuisines of neighbouring regions such as Northeastern India, Nepal and Bhutan. Like Chinese Five Spice, it is hard to pinpoint the exact origin of this blend, but it is believed to have ancient roots related to Eastern or Ayurvedic medicine.  The number five has significance in Indian and Eastern culture and mythology. It also is characterized by balance, which is reflected in the character of this blend.