What is the seed mixture found in Indian restaurants?

Question

I've eaten at a few different Indian restaurants and instead of mints, they have bowls of a seed mix. I think there's anise seed in it. Anyway, I wanted to know what it's called so I can buy some.

Answer 1

Mukhwas:  this literally translates into "mouth freshner".  It also aids in digestions (esp the fennel seeds or saunf).

Mukhwas is usually eaten after a meal to aid digestion and freshen the mouth and there are countless recipes out there. Once you've made Mukhwas a couple of times and figured out which ingredients you prefer over others, you too can create your own! The ingredients should be available at most Indian groceries.

INGREDIENTS:

Equal quantities of: Plain Saunf/ Aniseed

Chuara supari (Supari - pronounced soo-paa-ree - made from dried dates) OR Sugar Candy

Dhania dal (the core of a coriander seed)

Sesame seeds Betel nut slivers

And: A few drops red food color

A few drops green food color

1 tsp rose essence

1 tsp peppermint essence

PREPARATION:

In this recipe, I usually use either the Chuara Supari or the Sugar Candy - NEVER both - the Mukhwas will end up too sweet if both are used.

Heat a flat pan on a medium flame till hot. Roast the Aniseed till mildly aromatic and slightly darker. Remove from pan and cool completely.  Repeat the roasting procedure with the Dhania Dal and the Sesame seeds. Put the sesame seeds in a flat plate and add the drops of red food color to them. Mix well till all the seeds are coated. Keep aside and allow to dry fully.  Do the same with the Dhania Dal and the green food color. Now put all the ingredients together in a large bowl and mix well.  Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Consume within 2 weeks.

http://www.rasily.com/mukhwas.htm

Answer 2

It's called Mukhwas, which is an Indian after-meal snack or digestive aid made primarily of fennel seeds, anise seeds, coconut, and sesame seeds. They are sweet in flavor and highly aromatic due to added sugar and the addition of various essential oils, including peppermint oil. The seeds are often also coated in sugar and brightly colored.

Answer 3

I was told it was called Sauf. But I think that name just refers to the fennel seeds in the mixture.

Answer 4

***Sheena:  if you are going to just copy & paste straight from WIKIPEDIA, at least list your source!!