What is the English equivalent of the Telugu word 'Thalimpu'?

From Telugu to English Dictionary :

tAliMpu n. tamper; seasoning prepared by frying in oil a concoction of spices; the idea is to "hit" the cooked stuff with pungent mixture to bring out the taste (lit.) a hit; a smack; a spank

I think the dictionary means "temper" instead of "tamper".

In other words, "Thaalimpu Annam" translates as "tempered rice".

Several websites say:

Tempering/Talimpu

or

Talimpu/Tempering

http://amaracooking.blogspot.com/2015/10/pappu-dosakaya-toor-dal-with-cucumber.html

https://myhometastes.wordpress.com/2011/05/31/tempered-cucumber-raithatalimpu-perugu-pachhadi/

http://www.talimpu.com/2010/09/24/sesame-seeds-raita/

I didn't find any entries for this in Merriam-Webster but I've watched enough cooking shows to know that:

Blooming spices, or gently frying them in oil, is a quick way to deepen their flavor. Try it with whole spices or ground—cumin, coriander, and fennel are favorites. Cook just until the spices smell nice and toasty; any longer and you risk burning them.

http://lifehacker.com/5909606/fry-spices-for-an-instant-flavor-boost-and-other-cooking-shortcuts-for-more-flavor