Kalo jeera or Nigella Seed or Kalonji

Kalo jeera is a common spice in bengali household. Its called "Kalonji" in Hindi and "Nigella Seeds" in english. Its also an important part of the bengali paanch phoron.

     This is used in simple vegetarian cooking like "sada aloo charchari" and also in non vegetarian cooking like "Ilish macher tel jhol". They when added to the hot oil start dancing and adda unique flavour to the dish.

     Kalo jeera is also added to the dough while making nimki or singara. This is also added in some biscuits in the bakery of Kolkata.

     Other than this kalo jeera also has great medicinal value. When powdered kalo jeere is addded to hot coconut oil it becomes a good hair growth promoting oil. Other than this kalo jeera is used against indigestion and bowel complaints. I have also seen my mom tell me to use a small cotton pouch filled with kalo jeera to keep the clothes in the wardrobe fresh. Hence, the use of kalo jeera is endless.