Fennel seeds

सौंफ / saunf; finocchio

Flavor and role: Seeds of the fennel plant, with a sweet, cool, anise-like aroma. Toasting makes them nutty, and they are thought to aid digestion.
Typical dishes and uses: Italian sausage, porchetta, Indian curries and panch phoron, five-spice powder, after-meal mouth freshener (mukhwas).
Substitutes: 1 tsp fennel seeds = ½ tsp anise seeds (stronger) or a pinch of ground star anise.
Storage: In an airtight container at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. For best aroma, use ground spices within 6 months to 1 year and whole spices within 2-3 years.
Main countries: India · Italy · Egypt
Used in this book: Bunny Chow (Durban Chicken Curry in a Loaf)Rogan Josh Marseille Bouillabaisse with Rockfish Broth and Potato Rouille One-Pan Bouillabaisse Orzo with Saffron Aioli Durban Lamb Bunny with Fresh-Ground Masala Royal Chicken Machboos with Saffron Rice, Daqoos and Crispy Onions Red Wine Ragù Lasagna Soup with Lemon Basil Ricotta Mumbai Tawa Butter Pav Bhaji Slow-Braised Lamb Shank Rogan Josh Rogan Josh Birria-Style Tacos Rogan Josh Keema Loaded Fries Halwai-Style Punjabi Samosas with Two Chutneys Sri Lankan Black Chicken Curry with Toasted Coconut

Updated 2026-10-10