Phoron refers to Bengali flavoring agent or a mixture of spices which is used to season many Bengali dishes. It literally means "five spices" and is a spice blend commonly used in Eastern India and Bangladesh. It consists of the following 5 seeds: Cumin, Brown Mustard, Fenugreek, Nigella and Fennel. All dals are flavored with Phoron then fried in ghee or oil. Phoron is also known as Panch Phoron, Panch Phoran or Paanch Phoron.