Taste of Nepal

Dishes and ingredients,

Nigella Seeds - Mungrelo, Mugrelo - (मुग्रेलो, मुन्ग्रेलो)

by Jyoti Pathak

Also known as black cumin, black onion seeds and kalonji, these are small, triangular, black seeds with rough surface and white interior. They have a lingering flavor described as peppery, nutty, and bitter. The whole seed is not very strong, but when crushed they have a distinct pungent flavor.

Close-up look of Nigella seeds.
Close-up look of Nigella seeds.
Nigella seeds are often confused with onion seeds, but they are quite different and should not be substituted.
Nigella seeds are often confused with onion seeds, but they are quite different and should not be substituted.
The seeds are usually fried or toasted to enhance their flavor, and cooked with meat, fish curries, vegetables such as pumpkins, and used extensively in pickles.
The seeds are usually fried or toasted to enhance their flavor, and cooked with meat, fish curries, vegetables such as pumpkins, and used extensively in pickles.