Spice Profile:
Tongue-tickling Timur
A Union Square spice profile: Learn about Timur (a.k.a. Szechuan Pepper) and where to find it in the square.
When Hari gave us some timur, we were beguiled by its aroma and eager to test it out. So we asked our friend Bimala Thapa, a Katmandu native, to teach us how to use it. She shared her recipe for Timur achar (or pickle); it’s served as an appetizer with chapati or as an accompaniment to a meal. It’s quite delicious – and tongue tingling!
This recipe is courtesy of Bimala Thapa, who taught a Nibble cooking class some years back.
Golbheda ko aachar with timur and dhaniya (Tomato Timur Pickle/Chutney)
Ingredients
3 plum tomatoes
1 green chili
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 crushed garlic clove (not too big)
4-5 timur (available at Bombay Market, 359 Somerville Ave.)
several sprigs of cilantro
1 tablespoon oil (mustard oil is nice but others work fine, too)
Directions
Cut tomatoes in half and place them in a skillet, flat side down. Add chili. Cook for a few minutes, until tomatoes are half cooked. (In the summer, grill the tomatoes instead for great flavor.) Grind timur with a mortar and pestle. Put tomatoes, chile, timur and all other ingredients in a food processor and pulverize. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with any Nepali or Indian meal; or serve with chapati or naan as an appetizer.
Union Square market tours
If you want to learn more about exotic ingredients found in Union Square markets, take a Union Square market tour. Although we don’t currently have any group tours lined up, go here to print out a Union Square Market Brochure and then take a self-guided tour. We have versions in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
More to Nibble On
NEW Nibble Chef Nagisa Ikemura
Her Specialty: Nagisa’s focus at Nibble Kitchen will be introducing traditional Japanese Bento Boxes to the Somerville community. She'll also serve Japanese rice balls called onigiri — her version is a nod to her grandfather's Okinawa origins and her past...
New Chef, Marcia Amaral
Hails From: Minas Gerais, Brazil Her Specialty: “Pães Caseiros,” handmade breads that are slightly sweet and have a delightful, slightly chewy texture Her Story: "Making this bread means a lot to me because it’s the same type of bread my mother used to make back in...
New Nibble Chef Abdullah Srour
Hails From: Mafraq, Jordan His Specialty: Abdullah's menu at Nibble Kitchen includes falafel and chicken shawarma made with a delicate mix of spices including cumin, turmeric and cardamom. With this menu he plans to give customers a familiar but new take on two Middle...
Take a tour of Union Square Markets!
NEW! Take a tour of Union Square Markets. Thursday May 25th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. All tours start and end at Nibble Kitchen, 1 Bow Mkt Way, Somerville MA Sign up here! Union Square’s numerous markets offer a wealth of culinary delights. These small markets are not...
Nibble Kitchen at Union Square Farmers Market
NEW! Find Nibble Kitchen at the Union Square Farmers Market Every other Saturday starting May 13th through October 18th This year find your favorite chefs and entrepreneurs at the Union Square Farmers Market every other Saturday starting on May 13th. The Union...
Meet the 2023 Cooking Class Chefs
Nibble Kitchen is proud to present the Nibble Cooking Class Series 2023. Each class is led by a Nibble Chef and Program Graduate representing their home countries, cultures, and of course cuisines. Learn more about them below and purchase tickets here! Gisele A....
