Last week I got to learn more about the natural spices used in traditional Nepali cuisine at The Khukuri Nepalese Restaurant, here in Edinburgh. All the spices are prepared by hand, free from additives and are also gluten-free. Spices not only enhance flavours but also have health benefits too! Did you know that both Timbur and Jimbu spices are brought back from Nepal especially and can only be found in Nepali restaurants?
Spice Up Your Life Today with Some Natural Spices
Timbur
Timbur or also known as Himalayan Szechuan pepper is a shrub relating to the citrus family - Rutaceae. It grows in the warmer valleys of the Himalayas and unlike most peppers, it isn't hot but has underlying tones of citrus that trigger the nerves in the tongue. It is usually paired with garlic and chillies to flavour meat for momos.
The fruit is harvested from October through November when the fruit is ripe, it is then dry-cooked before being ground in preparation for cooking. Timbur is also used medicinally for common ailments such as toothache, common cold, cough and fever.
Jimbu
Jimbu also known as Himalayan aromatic leaf garlic is a mixture of two herbs Allium hypsistum and Allium przewalskianuma, members of the onion family.
It is used extensively throughout Nepal, primarily dried to flavour vegetables, pickles and meat. It tastes of a mixture between onion and chives. It is harvested between June and September then dried and stored for later use as only available seasonally.
Cumin
This unsuspecting small crescent-shaped seed gives a warming punch. A common kitchen spice which has a number of health benefits including the ability to aid digestion, respiratory disorders and diabetes.
Black Cumin
The Black Cumin seed comes from the Nigella Sativa plant, native to Asia. As well as being used to enhance the flavours of food it is also known as the ancient remedy for all diseases. "The Black Cumin oil is probably the single most important oil you can put in your System" - Dr Gary Null. Has been widely used to reduce blood pressure and treat headaches and toothache.
Aniseed
Anise or also known as Aniseed is a flowering plant part of the Apiaceae family. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and southwest Asia. Its flavour is similar to fennel and liquorice. Used to enhance the flavour of red meat dishes. Anise is also said to promote the well-being of the digestive system.
Pepper
Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, when dried, the fruit is known as a peppercorn.
Sage
Sage a popular Mediterranean herb part of the mint family, highly aromatic it is not only used in cooking but also to make teas. They are said to aid sore throats and coughs by gargling, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Bay Leaves
Bay Leaves from the Laurel shrub are aromatic, adding spice to a dish. The popular spice is widely known for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Mostly used when dried in cooking
Cardamom
Cardamom has a wonderful aroma with a spicy/sweet flavour. Health benefits include aiding blood circulation. Did you know that Cardamom is also an aphrodisiac?
Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of trees and the name refers to its colour and also its genus - Cinnamomum. Used in both sweet and savoury foods. Did you know that it can assist with weight loss? This fragrant, sweet and warm spice is available throughout the year. A great spice to warm you up during the winter months.
Red Peppers
Red Peppers are the fruit from the Capsicum family. Originating in Mexico and was brought back to Europe by the Spaniards. This fiery spice intensifies in flavour when cooked.
I hope you have enjoyed finding out about the natural spices, that are used in traditional Nepali cuisine. Why not spice up your life today and visit The Khukuri Restaurant?