Panch Phoron

This Bengali five spice is nothing like the Chinese five spice. It is made up of cumin seeds, black or brown mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fennel seeds and fenugreek seeds in almost equal amounts. It is kept whole as opposed to being made into a powdered masala. Every home in Bengal will have this ubiquitous spice stored and ready to use. You can now pick it up in some large supermarkets or make your own and store it in a glass jar.