Carom Seeds

Carom seeds (more commonly known as ajmo in Gujarati or ajwain in Hindi) are an underrated spice. Personally, it is one of my favorites! The fragrance of ajmo is very similar to thyme and the flavor is a cross between thyme and oregano. In Gujarati cooking, whole carom seeds are used often. They are added to puri (balloon bread) dough along with red chili powder to make delicious "teekhi puri" a savory, deep fried bread that is delicious on it's own with a cup of chai or with a variety of shaaks. They are often used in the vaghaar when cooking beans because it is said that carom seeds help combat their gassy effects. In Punjab, ajwain is added to chai, giving it a distinct flavor that is comforting and warm. Ajmo originated in India. In traditional Ayurveda, carom seeds are used as a treatment for gas, indigestion, and bloating.
Recipes featuring Carom Seeds:
Edamame kachori

Edamame Kachori | Edamame Stuffed Pastry Balls

A bowl of dal dhokli

Authentic Gujarati Dal Dhokli | Lentil Soup with Dumplings

Papdi no lot, closeup

Papdi no Lot without Papad Kharo (Sodium Benzoate)

Bhindi do pyaza

Bhindi do Pyaza

Jar of chili oil

Homemade Chili Oil

Cut mirchi

Cut Mirchi | Mirapakaya Bajji

Boondi on a plate

Boondi | Kara Boondi

Paneer pakora

Paneer Pakora | Recipes for Simple and Sandwich Style

Bowl of vaal nu shaak

Vaal nu Shaak | Lima Beans Curry

Chora nu shaak

Chora nu Shaak (Gujarati Style Black-Eyed Peas)

Tuvar lilva kachori

Tuvar ni Kachori (Lilva Kachori)

Basket of puris

Masala Puri (Tikhi Puri)

Bowl of papdi nu shaak

Papdi nu Shaak Recipe

Undhiyu

Mixed Veggie Casserole with Dumplings (Undhiyu)