Saint InnocentNigella seeds, which the Hindus refer to as Kalonji, are tiny seeds that grow in the fruit of the Nigella sativa plant, from which it has gotten its name. Nigella seeds are a spice that is commonly found inside Mediterranean dishes, particularly to inhabitants of Egypt, the southeast, and some other parts of Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe.
Generally, they are applied and put into use in the preparation of curries and stir-fries, though there are still those that use it as a pickling spice, sprinkling on salads and bread toppings while also enjoying the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidant properties that are all health benefits that come from its consumption.
However, on days where you might find yourself unlucky to have run out of the nigella seeds and unable to buy and get them from any one of the local grocery stores in your neighborhood, you might need to run to some other available substitutes for nigella seeds.
Well, below have been highlighted 7 of the best substitutes for nigella seeds.
7 Best Substitute for nigella seeds
1. Celery Seeds
Celery seeds top our list of the best options for a substitute for nigella seeds, particularly because of the similarities they both share in their taste, not forgetting as well the fact that they can be traditionally used in many similar dishes.
Talking of these similar dishes range from casseroles and grilled meats down to grilled vegetables and soups. Choosing to put them into use as a substitute for nigella seeds has to be done with caution since they tend to be more bitter than nigella seeds.
To help elevate your meal a little bit away from its bitter taste, all that is expected of you to do is simply pair them alongside garlic or onions, though there are few persons out there that fancy sticking with soy sauce or lemon juice.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Popular for their rich nutty flavor, black sesame seeds come in easily as one of the excellent substitute nigella seeds majorly because of the similarities they both share in their taste and the fact that they look almost the same if one is not careful enough; they might mistake it for the other.
Unlike the white sesame seeds to be discussed later, the black sesame seeds are known for their powerful flavor and crunchier texture, accompanied by them being oily and coming with a slightly bitter taste.
All of these are features that go hand in hand with savory dishes like stir-fries, grilled veggies, soups, and curries. Generally, you can add them as well to your cookies, bread buns, or even cupcake frosting.
3. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds as a substitute for nigella seeds fall under the carrot family, a top recommendation of a substitute owing to its powerful piquant flavor that serves numerous purposes inside of Indian cuisine, not forgetting as well its slightly nutty flavor that blends well with soups and curries.
Generally, they are of utmost importance when it comes to addressing your cooking and baking needs, with their licorice flavor making that possible to release in full flavor.
Finally, they are also known to be most persons preferred choice because of the numerous health benefits that come with putting them into use; a few of those health benefits include helping to regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
4. Oregano & Black Pepper
Oregano & black pepper is yet another option of a substitute for nigella seeds, only that this time around, it has a different flavor profile, reasons why most people might find it shocking to see it on this list of exsubstitutesbstitnigella nigella seeds.
It is considered an excellent substitute for nigella seeds because nigella seeds have a flavor similar to that of dry oregano and some freshly ground black pepper. Interestingly enough, most persons out there do fancy making use of oregano and black pepper to replicate the flavors of nigella seeds, only that they might not replicate the same crunch though.
5. Poppy Seeds
Easily located across every corner of the globe, poppy seeds will always remain one of the popular choices of a substitute for nigella seeds, known for their distinct earthy flavor and milder taste.
These ultra-small kidney-shaped seeds are one very ingredient you get to find always in the Mediterranean region where the poppy seeds hail and are at their best after you have had them dry-roasted in the oven or just ground into powder.
However you should always have it at the back of your mind that they are not a great choice of a substitute in savory dishes like curries, soups, and stews; but rather made perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies
Read also, No Carom, No Problem: 10 Best Substitute For Carom Seeds
6. White Sesame Seeds
Just as was earlier hinted, white sesame seeds are a substitute for nigella seeds, as they perfectly match and mimic the flavor of nigella seeds on point. Talking about its flavor profile, it mimics well that of nigella seeds; it is a flavor that blends nutty and sweet notes.
Once you are set and ready to have your meal cooked, be rest assured of its luscious aroma filling up the air in your kitchen, especially as you go about with your preparation of salads, soups, and sandwiches.
7. Dill Seeds
Ending our list of excellent substitutes for nigella seeds is the dill seeds, which also happen to share similar flavors, just as the case is with the sesame seeds, but with a slightly bitter undertone being the only difference between them both.
Generally, dill seeds as a substitute for nigella seeds do serve the purpose of being used in pickling. However, its purpose of use isn’t just limited to that alone, as it can also be used in the preparation of salads, casseroles, stews & more.
To get the very best results from this option of a substitute for nigella seeds, it is suggested that you opt for grinding them to a fine powder rather than sticking with using the whole seeds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mentioned above are different ways you can always have your nigella seeds replaced, bringing into consideration the appearance and flavor, with every single one of the aforementioned substitutes fitting into this very bracket.
Saint Innocent
Emmanuel
