Modison Carom Seeds Ajwain (Ajmo)

What they look like: Small, oval-shaped, pale brown seeds with a ribbed texture. They resemble a cross between cumin and celery seeds but are much smaller and more concentrated.

The Taste: Intensely aromatic and pungent. They have a flavor similar to thyme but with a much sharper, "hotter" finish that leaves a slight numbing sensation on the tongue if eaten raw.

The Perfect Tempering (Tadka): Essential for Dals and Vegetable stir-fries, especially those featuring potatoes or cauliflower. Sautéing them in hot oil or ghee mellows their sharpness into a savory, herbal aroma.

Savory Breads & Snacks: A core ingredient in the dough for Parathas, Samosa pastry, and Namak Pare. It adds a wonderful crunch and a complex savory note to fried appetizers.

Gram Flour (Besan) Pairing: Almost always added to Pakora and Bhaji batters. Its strong flavor perfectly complements the earthiness of chickpea flour.

Pickling: Used in traditional oil-based pickles to provide a sharp, preservative-like tang and herbal depth.