Mustard seed

Graine de moutarde

What it is

The heat does not exist in the intact seed — it is manufactured the instant the cell walls break in the presence of cold water, by an enzyme meeting a compound it is normally kept apart from. Hot water destroys the enzyme, which is why mustard is never made with it.

In the kitchen

Pop the whole seeds in hot oil until they jump, for Indian dishes. For a paste, crush them into cold liquid and wait ten minutes.

Goes with

Turmeric Curry leaf Cider vinegar Cabbage Potato Honey Chili pepper Cumin

Same species

Baek-kimchi Broccoli Brussels sprout Cabbage Cauliflower Cavolo nero

Also used with

Amba Byadgi chilli Green tomato Calcium lactate Pigeon pea (toor dal) Pointed cabbage

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