Commonly Used Herbs and Spices in Nepali Cooking

Commonly Used Herbs and Spices in Nepali Cooking (Nepali Masalaa Haru) 

The following list describes some of the special herb and spices used in Nepali cooking. Most spices are available in Indian, East Asian, and Middle Eastern grocery stores or some health food stores and larger supermarkets. In my next posting I will add more detailed descriptions and pictures of each of these herb and spices.

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Ajowan Seeds - Jwaano, Javano (जवानो, ज्वानो)
Asafetida - Heeng or Hing (हिङ्ग - हींग)
Bay Leaves - Tejpaat, Tej-patta - (तेजपत्ता)
Cardamom, Black Pods - Thulo Sukumel, Alainchi - (अलैंची, ठूलो सुकुमेल)
Cardamom, Green Pods - Sukumel, Sano Sukumel, Sukmel - (सुकमेल, सानो सुकुमेल, सुकुमेल)
Cilantro or Fresh Coriander  - Hariyo Dhania ko Paat, Dhaniyan ko saag - (धनियाँको साग)
Cinnamon, Cassia Bark - Daalchini - (दालचीनी)
Cloves - Lwang - (ल्वाङ्ग)
Coriander Seeds - Dhania ko Geda - (धनियाँ)
Cumin Seeds - Jeera, Jira ko Geda - (जीरा)
Fennel Seeds - Saunp or Saunf - (सौंप)
Fenugreek Seeds - Methi ko Geda - (मेथी)
Ginger - Aduwa or Adua - (अदुवा)
Himalayan Herb Jimbu - dried leaves of a local onion species - (Allium wallachii) - (जिम्बु)
Mustard Seeds - Rayo or Sarysun - (तोरी, राई)
Nigella Seeds - Mungrelo, Mugrelo - (मुग्रेलो, मुन्ग्रेलो)
Nutmeg & Mace - Jaiphal, Javitri - (जाइफल - जावित्री)
Peppercorns - Marich - (मरिच)
Poppy Seeds - Khus Khus, Aphim - (अफिम, खसखस)
Radish Seeds - Mula ko Beu
Red Pepper, Cayenne pepper, Chilli, Chili - Rato Khursani, Khorsani, Hariyo Khursani, Sukeko Khursani -  (रातो खुर्सानी, खोर्सानी)
Saffron - Kesar or Keshar - केसर, ज़ाफ़रान
Sesame Seeds - Til - (तिल)
Nepal pepper - Szechwan pepper, Sichuan pepper, Chinese pepper, (Z. armatum) - Timmur - (टिम्मुर, तिम्बुर)
Turmeric  - Besar, Besar ko Dhulo - (बेसार)
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Nepali Spice Markets - (Ground Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Cayenne Pepper and Garam Masala)

 Fresh Herbs and Spices - green chillies, ginger, garlic, cilantro (fresh coriander), onions, shallots, tomatoes - a must have ingredients - for Nepali cooking

Whole spices such as stick cinnamon, bay leaves, green and black cardamom, and whole cloves adds flavor and texture to Nepali dish.

Spice Box (Sanduke or Masala Dani) - The round stainless steel spice box that stores dry spices is found in most Nepali homes.  It has a tight fitting lid to ensure that the spices are not exposed to air and do not mix together.

Strolling through the Nepali markets and taking pictures. Whole spices are artfully displayed in several large and small bowls.