Adds a strong flavor and is a warming spice, whole black pepper. It boosts Pitta, helps to balance Vata, and is great for calming Kapha. In the West, aromatic black pepper is often used as a condiment. Black peppercorns and crushed or cracked black pepper are often used in AYURVEDIC cooking. Bhasmati rice is flavored with sautéed black peppercorns and other whole herbs including broken cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon chips in ghee. To prepare vegetable sauces, ground black pepper is mixed with coconut milk and other spices. Pepper goes nicely with almost every other herb or spice.