Alternatives to Ajwain
Ajwain (carom seeds) is a staple in Indian cooking, known for its pungent, thyme-like flavor and its impressive digestive benefits. Often used in parathas, lentil dishes, and spice blends, ajwain also helps reduce bloating and indigestion. But what happens when you run out of ajwain or can’t find it at your local store?
Fortunately, several effective substitutes can mimic its flavor while preserving its health benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the best alternatives for ajwain and how to use them in your cooking without compromising taste or digestion.
Why Is Ajwain a Key Ingredient?
Ajwain is more than just a spice—it plays a crucial role in both flavor and health:
- Flavor Profile: Ajwain has an earthy, peppery taste with hints of thyme and anise.
- Digestive Benefits: It contains thymol, which stimulates digestive enzymes and helps with bloating and gas.
- Common Uses: Added to flatbreads (like paratha), lentil dishes (dal), deep-fried snacks, and even herbal teas.
When looking for a substitute, we need to replicate both its distinctive taste and gut-friendly properties.
Best Ajwain Substitutes and How to Use Them
Thyme + Fennel Seeds (Best All-Purpose Alternative)
Why it works: Thyme shares ajwain’s thymol content, while fennel seeds add a slightly sweet, anise-like note that balances the mix.
How to use: Replace 1 tsp of ajwain with a 1:1 blend of dried thyme and fennel seeds.
- Works well in lentil dishes, spice blends, and tempering (tadka) for dals.
- For parathas, mix thyme and fennel into the dough for a similar aromatic punch.
Oregano + Cumin (Ideal for Dough-Based Recipes)
Why it works: Oregano offers a sharp, herbal note, while cumin provides earthiness and mild heat, making this combination great for flatbreads and baked dishes.
How to use: For every 1 tsp of ajwain, use ½ tsp oregano + ¼ tsp cumin.
- Best for parathas, rotis, and spiced crackers.
- Toast cumin slightly before use to enhance its depth.
Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) (For a Unique Twist)
Why it works: While different in taste, nigella seeds bring a warm, nutty, and slightly bitter edge, making them a good alternative in savory pancakes and fried snacks.
How to use: Substitute 1 tsp ajwain with ¾ tsp nigella seeds.
- Use in savory besan chilla (gram flour pancakes) and deep-fried snacks.
- Works well in tempering for curries and pickles.
Celery Seeds (For Mild Dishes and Pickles)
Why it works: Celery seeds have a milder, slightly bitter flavor with a herbal undertone, making them a decent replacement in light curries and homemade spice blends.
How to use: Replace 1 tsp of ajwain with ¾ tsp celery seeds.
- Use in soups, curries, and homemade garam masala.
- Not ideal for dough-based recipes as it lacks ajwain’s punchy aroma.
Ajwain-Free Recipe Ideas
1. Aloo Paratha without Ajwain
2. Digestive Jeera Rice
3. Savory Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancake)
Conclusion
Running out of ajwain doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or digestive benefits. Whether you opt for thyme and fennel, oregano and cumin, or nigella seeds, these alternatives can seamlessly replace ajwain in your favorite dishes.
Give these substitutes a try and see which one works best for your cooking style. Have you experimented with any of these swaps? Share your experience in the comments below!