Spices for lentils
The spices, herbs, and blends that earn a place with lentils, drawn from each entry's pairing notes.
Ajwain
Sharp, thyme-like, pungent, bitter
Amchur
Sour, tangy, fruity, faintly sweet
Asafoetida
Pungent, sulfurous raw, oniony cooked
Berbere
Hot, smoky, warm, deeply spiced
Black cardamom
Smoky, resinous, camphor, savory
Cilantro
Bright, citrusy, pungent, fresh
Coriander seed
Citrusy, floral, warm, lightly sweet
Cumin
Earthy, warm, nutty, faintly bitter
Curry leaf
Nutty, citrusy, savory, faintly bitter
Curry powder
Earthy, warm, golden, mildly spiced
Fenugreek
Bitter, earthy, maple-sweet aroma
Garam masala
Warm, sweet, aromatic, deeply layered
Mitmita
Fiery, warm, citrusy, intense
Mustard seed
Pungent, sharp, nose-clearing heat
Nigella
Pungent, nutty, oniony, herbal
Panch phoron
Earthy, nutty, pungent, anise-edged
Parsley
Fresh, grassy, clean, lightly peppery
Sambar powder
Earthy, toasty, pungent, tangy
Savory
Peppery, savory, thyme-like, herbal
Tamarind
Sour, fruity, date-like, tangy
Turmeric
Earthy, bitter, musky, mildly peppery