What is panch phoron?

by Cookthink

A Bengali whole five-spice mixture made from equal parts mustard seed, cumin seed, fennel seed, fenugreek and nigella seed, panch phoron is used to season fish (as well as vegetables, lentils and chicken). The spices are fried in oil or ghee until they pop to release their flavor and aroma. At this point, the spice mixture can be poured over cooked dishes to add flavor, or used as a base before vegetables, lentils, chicken or fish are added to the pan to finish cooking.