Hello!
I was at my Muslim friend’s wedding. At the reception, each of us got a little package with sesame seeds, caraway, fennel, coated fennel and coconut. It was to eat after the meal. It was colourful - the sesame and coconut were dyed.
Does anyone know what this is called, and can you tell me a little more about it?
It’s probably not specifically a Muslim dessert. I had some at an Indian restaraunt once, with a slightly different mixture (more fennel!)
Thanks!
-Jen
Yes, it’s specifically an Indian custom, not Muslim. The snack is generally just called “fennel seeds” (“saunf” in Hindi), although as you note, the fennel seeds can be candy-coated instead of plain, and/or include other kinds of seeds too.
The fennel seeds are supposed to help settle the stomach.
In Bengali, the seed is called “mouri.” If it’s mixed with other things, it doesn’t have a special name.
It’s also supposed to clear your breath.
There is also something called “supuri,” which also served a similar after-dinner purpose.
Yup. Supari is betel nut (areca nut), a mild stimulant. It’s the active ingredient in the Indian refreshment called paan, a leaf-wrapped concoction of betel and other flavorings and spices (possibly including tobacco).
Mmmm, mithi paan. I miss India.