Black Mustard Seeds

Brassica nigra Spice, Seed

Black Mustard Seeds Spice, Seed

At a Glance

  • Category Spice, Seed

The Forktionary Angle

"Black mustard seeds contain sinigrin, which, when crushed or heated in oil, releases volatile compounds that give them their characteristic sharp, horseradish-like bite."

Definition

Small, dark seeds with a potent, pungent, and earthy flavor, widely used in Indian cuisine, curries, and pickling for their sharp heat.

Heat Index Higher than yellow mustard seeds
Primary Region Dominant in Indian & South Asian cooking
Tempering Use Commonly fried in oil ('tadka') to release flavor

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Black Mustard Seeds are:

Pungent Fiery Earthy Sharp

Chef’s Secret

When tempering black mustard seeds, heat them in oil until they begin to pop and crackle. This indicates they've released their full flavor, but don't burn them!

Best Substitutes

Brown Mustard Seeds

Ratio 1:1

Yellow Mustard Seeds

use 1. for less heat and adjust
Ratio 5:1

Buying Guide

Purchase whole, intact seeds. Freshness is key for their potent aroma and flavor. Store airtight, away from light.

Recipes Using Black Mustard Seeds

Rice Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine

Basmati Rice Pilaf With Peas

Recreate the delicious Basmati Rice Pilaf from Bobby Flay's Throwdown! This perfectly seasoned pilaf, featuring fragrant spices and sweet peas, is the ideal side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala or any Indian-inspired meal. A quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Main Ingredient Meat Cuisine Main Dish

Beef Vindaloo The Real Thing

Experience the fiery heat and aromatic explosion of authentic Beef Vindaloo! This low-fat, healthier take on a classic Goan curry uses white wine vinegar and a touch of sugar for a surprisingly balanced flavor profile. A perfect blend of spices, expertly ground (using a grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle), creates a rich and complex taste that will leave you wanting more. Pair this culinary masterpiece with a crisp lager for the ultimate dining experience. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Cheese Preparation Time To Make Occasion

Baked Tortilla Wheels With Pineapple Salsa

Impress your guests with these stunning Baked Tortilla Wheels, a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This recipe, adapted from the "Very Vegetarian Cookbook," features crispy tortilla rounds filled with a creamy center and topped with a zesty pineapple salsa. The beautiful presentation, especially striking on blue dishes, will make this dish a memorable part of your next event. Get ready to wow your friends and family!

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Vegetables Main Ingredient Low Calorie Healthy 2

Alu Brinjal Simple Indian Dish

This incredibly easy Indian recipe delivers a burst of flavor in just 35 minutes! Perfect for eggplant lovers, this Alu Brinjal combines potatoes and eggplant in a vibrant, aromatic sauce. A simple yet satisfying dish that's sure to become a new favorite. Get ready for a delicious journey!

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Curries Cuisine Low Carb Preparation

Harak Mas Curry Sri Lankan Beef Curry

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Harak Mas Curry, a classic Sri Lankan beef curry. This authentic recipe, inspired by Charmaine Solomon, delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a deeply flavorful gravy. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this curry is sure to become a family favorite. Learn how to make this delicious dish with our easy-to-follow instructions and detailed ingredient list.

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Main Ingredient Curries 30 Minutes Or Less Indian

Balti Chicken Khara Masala

Experience a flavor explosion with our Balti Chicken Khara Masala! This vibrant curry bursts with the aromatic warmth of whole spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this easy wok-fried chicken curry is a delicious shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor. Impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make recipe!

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Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol Healthy 2 Vegetarian

Baked Bbq Tofu Vegan

Indulge in this mouthwatering Baked BBQ Tofu recipe! This vegan delight features a rich and smoky BBQ sauce (inspired by veganmenu.blogspot and slashfood, with my own special twist!), perfectly complementing the tender baked tofu. Prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time (12-48 hours for best flavor) for an even more intense taste. Serve this delicious tofu over creamy cheesy grits and a vibrant spinach salad for a complete and satisfying vegan meal.

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Inexpensive Inexpensive Preparation Main Ingredient

Aloo Gobi Potato And Cauliflower Curry

This Aloo Gobi recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! My youngest son requests this delicious potato and cauliflower curry again and again. Tender potatoes and perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower florets simmer in a fragrant blend of warming spices. Enjoy it hot as a side dish to your favorite curry, or cold the next day – it's equally delightful! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Savory Sauces Tomatoes Dietary Course

Ayurvedic Base Sauce

Unlock the secrets to vibrant health and delicious food with this Ayurvedic Base Sauce! A versatile foundation for countless meals, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste and dietary needs. We guide you through the precise order of cooking, maximizing both flavor and the therapeutic benefits of traditional Ayurvedic spices. Explore the magic of curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and more – create your signature Ayurvedic sauce today!

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Course Preparation Indian 60 Minutes Or Less

Bengali Spinach

Experience the rich flavors of Bengal with this authentic Spinach recipe, adapted from Yamuna Devi's "The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking." This vibrant dish combines tender spinach with fragrant spices and crunchy nuts for a truly unforgettable culinary journey. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.

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