Bengali 5 Spice Recipes

PANCH PHORON | PANCH PHORAN

Steps:

• Mix all the spices in a bowl or directly in a small glass jar.
• Tightly seal the jar. Store the panch phoron in a cool, dry place.
• Shake the jar before each use to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
• Use the spices as required in the recipe. Usually panch phoron is tempered or fried in oil to release their flavors and then the other ingredients are added.

PANCH PHORON, BENGALI FIVE-SPICE

Steps:

• Mix all together, You can use less or more of your favorite seeds so adjust to taste.
• Store out of light in a sealed jar.
• This recipe is meant to be used as whole seeds roasted before using in a recipes to release the oils for more fragrance.
• Roast in hot oil, until a strong aroma of each spice is released, and use the fragrant oil as a base to cook dal, meats or vegetables.
• Roast in Vegetable oil (vegan), butter or ghee and add as seasoning to different dals or thick curries.

BENGALI 5-SPICE

Steps:

• Combine the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, oregano, and fenugreek seeks in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; roast the spice mixture until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Spread the spices onto a large platter to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

FISH WITH BENGALI 5-SPICES

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the 5-spice mixture. Place the fish pieces in a large non-reactive bowl. Add the 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and salt and mix well, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 and up to 4 hours. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and fry the fish pieces (leave any juices in the bowl), in 2 or 3 batches if necessary, until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a bowl. 3. To the bowl with the fish juices, add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, cayenne pepper, and water and mix well to make a paste.4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet and add the panch-phoran they should splatter upon contact with the hot oil, so cover the pan until the splattering subsides. Quickly add the turmeric paste, stir about 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook until most of the juices evaporate, about 5 minutes.5. Mix in the fish, plus any juices that may have accumulated, and cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the cilantro on top, and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

BENGALI 5-SPICE

Steps:

• Combine the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, oregano, and fenugreek seeks in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; roast the spice mixture until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Spread the spices onto a large platter to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

PICKLED CARROTS WITH BENGALI FIVE-SPICE

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a large pot. Bring to boil then gently boil for 3 minutes.
• Add garlic, carrots and onions and simmer till carrots are still crisp about 10 minutes.
• Place 1 teaspoons Panch Phoron, Bengali Five-Spice in the bottom of each clean, hot pint jar.
• Pack carrot mixture into sterilized 8-8 ounce jars. Leaving 1/2 - 1 inch head space. Remove air bubbles. wipe rim and place lids and rings on.
• Place in a hot water bath for 15 minutes 0-1000 ft.
• 20 minutes at1001-6000 ft or above 6000 ft for 25 minutes.
• Remove jars lifting the jars out of the water and let them cool on a wooden cutting board or a towel, without touching or bumping them in a draft-free place. Remove the rings and wipe rims. They do taste great now but wait a couple days and they`ll be so much better.