A Vegan’s Guide To Black Mustard Seeds

What are black mustard seeds? 

Known by its official name, Brassica nigra, black mustard is a plant that’s native to tropical regions of North Africa as well as parts of Asia and Europe. The plant is best known for its black seeds which are harvested, dried and used as spices in cooking.

Photo credit: Fine Gardening

What do black mustard seeds taste like?

Black mustard seeds have a distinctive bitter and slightly spicy profile to them, making great additions to curry bases. 

What is the difference between black and yellow mustard seeds?

The two mustard seeds come from different plants in the Brassica family. Taste-wise, yellow mustard seeds are slightly sweeter and less spicy, but you can tell them apart by their namesake colours. 

Photo credit: Vegetarian Express

Black mustard seed substitute

If you’re trying to replicate the mustard flavour profile then the closest alternative you’ll find is yellow mustard seeds. Even though they have different profiles, they’re much closer than say Nigella seeds, which might look the same as black mustard but taste more peppery.

Alternatively, using mustard powder or shop-bought wholegrain mustard will do the trick too. 

Vegan recipes with black mustard seeds

Tarka Dal

This dal is savoury and rich, fresh, hearty, and nourishing. Whether you strip it back and serve it plain or have it with tarka (warm tempered spices) stirred through for extra flavour and texture, you’re destined for a great dinner. 

Keralan Sundown

Our delicious Keralan Sundown Curry is packed with red lentils, kale and sweet potatoes and topped with toasted cashews and a crunchy carrot sambhar.

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