Nigella seeds

Finding a kilo of nigella seeds was once a sub-task in the Apprentice

I used to let Nigella self-seed in my Oxon garden. There was so much else self-seeding that it wasn't a problem. I don't think it would grow here or if it did the deer would probably eat it before it set seed. Hey ho and all that.

Every spring/summer I have to pull them up, they seed everwhere (didn't know I could eat the seeds!)

Not in my garden, they don't, roses. I can't get them to grow at all!

And don't scatter the leftover nigella seeds in your flower beds because they will spread everywhere .....

Don't anyone eat edible flower seeds that are from a packet designed for planting. They could have been treated with all sorts of nasty stuff to stop them from deteriorating.

I asked for it by both names and the owner of one of the shops is used to me asking for things I know nothing about - I've been doing it for years since I went to Indian cookery lessons run by a friend - approx 100 years ago!

That's what I used mixed with mustard seeds bags - the dish wasn't worth all the effort!

Would onion seed do as a substitute? It's usually easy to get hold of.

Maybe you have to search the shelves of the Asian grocer's visually because they will know them by another name? They are little black seeds - often seen on the outside of naan bread. The garden variety are far too expensive as you only get a few in a packet
Currently eating yummy ham and yell split pea soup which was made with a packet of yellow split peas from the Asian shop. But called channa of course.
Comedy moment in same store - they had an amazing array of oils. I pointed out to them that it might not be the greatest idea to have "Jasmine hair oil" displayed with the culinary oils

So, on Saturday, DH and I trailed round our small town which is not far from Leicester and still couldn't get nigella seeds. In one I asked what I could use as a substitute and was told mustard or onion seeds. I used a mix of the two. Wish I hadn't bothered - we were so disappointed with the finished dish. DH said 'Of course, nigella seeds might have made all the difference!'

One word of warning.....Nigella seeds look just like mouse droppings when scattered over the top of flatbreads

It's a Nigella recipe for lamb ribs slow cooked with the seeds and other things that I've forgotten because I have those in already! I'll look later. I've looked and its cumin, garlic and soy!

Our huge Sainsbury's has a large 'world foods' bit. Unfortunately, I went to the much smaller one!. Tesco Extra didn't have any even in its 'world' bit. I don't need them until Saturday so I should manage to track some down by then.

Oh not the ones Novella used in her health breakfast bars!!!!!!?????

Recipe Kitty?

They are also sold as "kalonji" seeds used a lot in Asian cooking

www.amazon.co.uk/Organic-Nigella-Seed-Black-Kalonji/dp/B004L4XJWM

Try a wholefood shop or a shop selling Asian spices. I could have saved loads of seed heads off mine this year.

Nigella aka "love in a mist."

They have a particular flavour which poppy seeds would not give. You can often find Kalonji/Nigella seeds on naan bread .

But it sounds as of you want them today.

Tesco advertise Nigella seeds, 45g for 85p.

poppy seeds?