White poppy seeds Papaver Somniferum) are native to the Middle East and are most commonly used in Indian cooking. The seeds have a nutty flavor which is brought out by lightly toasting. The toasted seeds can be used atop steamed vegetables, rice or noodles. In India the seeds are used as a thickener in curries and also made into a paste and used as a filling. Look for these seeds in any Indian grocery store, or check your local health food store.
By the way, a Japanese sesame seed toaster works really well for toasting any small seeds. Most seeds start "hopping" all over the place as you toast them. This seed toaster has a nice little screen on top to keep the seeds from scattering all over your cook-top.
If you don't have white poppy seeds you can substitute:
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