Add an extra Italian touch to your pizza with an unusual spice

When it comes to culinary perfection, it's hard to beat pizza. It's proof of how the simplest ingredients can create something truly delicious. While there are many styles, from Neapolitan to New Haven and beyond, pizza doesn't usually require major innovations. However, it doesn't take much to elevate your homemade pizza, and one unusual spice, with its intense Italian flavors, is sure to impress at your next pizza night.

You may not have heard of it, but ajwain seed is an aromatic powerhouse you didn't know you needed. Its flavor is reminiscent of some pantry staples: the dominant note is thyme, with woody and spicy undertones. This isn't surprising, as ajwain is packed with thymol, the essential oil responsible for thyme's signature flavor. But its aroma is deeper, with a floral sweetness similar to oregano or marjoram, and a citrusy, licorice-like undertone reminiscent of cumin.

Ajwain is wonderfully complex, combining the best herbs and spices of Italian cuisine. This makes it an excellent ingredient for pizza, adding a subtle touch without straying from traditional flavors. It enhances the sweetness of a classic tomato sauce, intensifying it while providing a spicy contrast. It also adds a bright, floral note that balances the richness of the mozzarella and the crispness of a well-cooked crust.

How much ajwain seed should I use and how should I use it?

Ajwain has a strong flavor, so you don't need to use much. Just a pinch is enough to give your pizza a special touch that will transport you to a world of flavor. In South Asia, where it's commonly used, ajwain is often fried in ghee or butter before being poured over dishes, intensifying its natural aromas and infusing every corner with its delicious taste.

For pizza, you can follow a similar method: grind (or at least crush) some ajwain seeds in a mortar, fry them in good-quality Italian olive oil, and drizzle the resulting liquid gold over the pizza once it's cooked. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add crushed garlic, black pepper, and even chili (dried or fresh) to the hot oil, letting it all sizzle into a fabulously flavorful seasoning.

You can also incorporate ajwain into a spice blend. It pairs beautifully with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Grind them together, toast them in a dry pan, and add a generous pinch of salt. Store the blend in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight. There you have it! A homemade spice blend that keeps for a long time, ready to give you a touch of Italian flavor whenever you need it.