Anise seed (or aniseed) is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes to add flavor and depth as we’ll see below. Anise seed has a licorice or sweet, licorice-like flavor. It’s commonly used in baking, such as in cakes, cookies and bread, as well as in savory dishes like stews and sauces.
In this article we’ll discuss how to use anise seed, how it’s different from the similarly sounding star anise spice and a number of dishes that you can add anise to.
How to grind anise seed for use
Grinding anise seed is simple and can be done using a few tools:
- Spice grinder: Use a dedicated spice grinder or a coffee grinder to grind the anise seeds. Simply add the seeds to the grinder, secure the lid, and pulse until the desired consistency is reached.
- Mortar and pestle: Crush the anise seeds in a mortar and pestle. Place a small amount of seeds in the mortar and use the pestle to grind and crush the seeds into a fine powder.
- Rolling pin: Place the anise seeds on a cutting board and use a rolling pin to crush the seeds into a powder.
It’s best to grind the seeds just before use, as ground seeds have a shorter shelf life and can quickly lose their flavor and aroma.
To use the seeds, add the desired amount to the dish towards the end of cooking or baking, as the flavor can become more muted with prolonged cooking.
What’s the difference between anise seed and star anise?
They share similar names but anise seed and star anise are two different spices with similar but distinct flavors.
Anise seed comes from the fruit of the annual herb Pimpinella anisum, while star anise is the dried, star-shaped fruit of the evergreen tree Illicium verum. Anise seed has a sweeter, licorice-like flavor, while star anise has a stronger, more bitter taste with hints of licorice. Anise seed is commonly used in baking and sweets as well as drinks and food dishes as we’ll see below.
Star anise is used more commonly in savory dishes, such as soups and marinades.
10 dishes that utilize anise seed
Anise seed can be used in a variety of dishes and is popular in desserts, drinks as well as many main courses as we’ll see below.
Here are 10 types of dishes that incorporate anise seed:
- Baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, bread, and pastries.
- Stews and braises, such as beef and lamb dishes.
- Sauces, such as Béarnaise and hollandaise.
- Pickling and preserving, for added flavor in pickled vegetables and fruits.
- Tea and hot drinks, for a licorice flavor.
- Liqueurs, such as ouzo and anisette.
- Roasted meats, such as pork and poultry.
- Spiced desserts, such as fruit pies and cobblers.
- Spice rubs and marinades, for meat dishes.
- Indian dishes, such as masoor dal and vindaloo.
5 unique food dishes that use anise to bump up the flavor
Aniseed Rice Pilaf
Anise seed rice pilaf is a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with fish, lamb, or poultry. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then add in basmati rice, aniseed, and broth. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through – serve hot with freshly chopped herbs!
Peppery White Bean and Aniseed Soup
This rich and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly fall days. Start by soaking white beans overnight and drain before cooking in a large pot with ham hock, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and aniseed. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours until the beans are tender. Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for some added warmth.
Aniseed Roasted Chicken
For a tasty, comforting meal, try this roasted chicken with aniseed. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of aniseeed to a roasting pan. Spread evenly over the bottom of the pan and place 4-5 chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, garlic powder, oregano and thyme for extra flavor. Roast for 40-50 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries.
Traditional Baklava with Aniseed Syrup
Aniseed adds a special touch to this classic Mediterranean dessert. Combine 2 cups of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of aniseeed in a bowl and set aside. Simmer 3/4 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over medium heat until the mixture thickens; this will be your syrup. Cut 30 sheets of phyllo dough into thirds and layer them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Layer half the nut mixture on top and pour some syrup over it. Repeat with remaining phyllo dough, nut layer and syrup. Bake for 40 minutes at 375°F or until top is golden brown. Cut into 36 pieces as soon as you remove from oven, then pour remaining hot syrup over top. Serve with sweetened Greek yogurt or a dollop of ice cream.
Orange-Anise Poached Pears
Poached pears are a delicious and elegant dessert option. Start by peeling 4-6 large pears, leaving their stems intact. Combine 1 liter of orange juice, 1 cup of white wine, 2 tablespoons of aniseeds and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar together in a large pot over medium heat. When it starts to simmer, add the pears and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until pears are fork tender. Serve with Greek yogurt or ice cream.