Star Anise, also known as chakri phool, is known for its peculiar star-shape as well as its aroma. It is essentially a fruit of the Chinese tree Illicium verum. It is picked before it ripens, dried, and sold as a spice.
5 Spice Powder ( Chinese Cooking )
Star Anise used in Indian cooking
It’s is a very important ingredient of Chinese 5 spice powder.
In Indian cuisine, star anise is added to make many spice powders while also being a part of some Maharashtrian delicacies like Malvani gravy and Vangi Bhaat.
Basic Malvani Gravy
In fact, you will be surprised that many restaurants also flavor their Malvani Chana Masala, Basic Rice for Biryani with star anise.
Malvani Chana Masala, Maharashtrian Chana Gravy
Star Anise used in Indian spices..
- Dabeli Masala - Dabeli Masala too can be made easily at home. The Homemade Dabeli Masala Powder can be used to easily make the popular Gujarati snack, Dabeli, where a potato mixture flavoured with this masala is sandwiched between butter-roasted ladi pav.
Homemade Dabeli Masala Powder
- Biryani Masala – Biryani masala powder is an essential item in a typical Indian kitchen. Cooked with a mix of rice and veggies, biryani masala powder gives rise to an aromatic and flavourful Biryani that will steal everyone’s hearts.
Biryani Masala
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Sandwich Masala - Sandwich masala is a spice mix made with different Indian spices which is then used to perk up the flavour of the very famous dish that is sandwich, it adds in a unique flavour to the sandwich! Sandwiches are universally loved by everyone and are super quick to make, add this to your sandwich and make it even tastier.
Sandwich Masala
Star Anise for weight loss
Cinnamon added along with star anise is known for its weight loss property. Pair both these ingredients with water and boil them for at least 10 minutes so that their compounds dissolve in the water. Sip on that hot star anise tea for weight loss after straining.
Benefits of Star Anise :
1. Star Anise – a potent spice to ward off Bacteria: Anethole, linalool and shikimic acid are the compounds of star anise which have a role to play in kicking off the bacteria. Star anise extract has been used in treating some urinary tract infections as well infections due to E. coli bacteria.
2.
Star Anise – a soothing agent for Cold and Cough: The shikimic acid present in the star anise possess the strength to fight bacteria and virus. Sipping on
Star Anise Tea during cold and cough is thus a great relief as boiling star anise in water to make its tea helps benefit from some of its antioxidants and the hot water is all the more soothing for the throat. Many pharmaceuticals have used star anise is one of the most important ingredient in treating influenza.
Star Anise Tea, Indian Home Remedy for Cold and Cough