Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum Allergen-Free
cumin

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Apiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Indian|Mexican|Middle Eastern
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cumin plant seeds

The Forktionary Angle

"The Ancient Seed: Tracing cumin's global culinary journey."

Definition

An aromatic spice from the dried seed of a plant in the parsley family, known for its warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor profile.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Warm, Pungent, Slightly Bitter
TextureGritty (ground), Hard (whole seed)
AromaEarthy, Musky, Smoky
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Active Compound:

Cuminaldehyde is responsible for its characteristic aroma.

Global Usage:

Essential in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Storage Tip:

Whole seeds last longer (4 years) than ground (2 years).

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tsp (2g)
Calories375 kcal
Total Fat22.3 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein17.8 g
Total Carbohydrate44.2 g
Dietary Fiber10.5 g
Total Sugars2.3 g
Calcium931 mg
Iron66.4 mg
Potassium1788 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting whole cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant before grinding intensely enhances their flavor and aroma.

Substitutions

Best Match

Coriander

1:1

Offers a similar earthy, warm tone, but is milder and slightly sweeter.

Caraway Seeds

1:1

Stronger, more pungent, and slightly bitter, best for savory dishes like rye bread.

Chili Powder (check ingredients)

1:2 (half the amount)

Many blends contain cumin, but will also add heat and other flavors. Use sparingly.

Curry Powder (check ingredients)

1:1 (or less)

Contains cumin along with other spices, will alter the overall flavor profile.

Buying Guide

Buy whole cumin seeds and grind them as needed for maximum freshness and flavor.

Flavor Pairings

Chili powder Coriander Garlic Ginger Lamb Chicken Legumes Rice

Recipes Using Cumin

Vegetarian Soups Stews Dietary 4 Hours Or Less

Three Sisters Stew

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this hearty and flavorful Three Sisters Stew! A vibrant vegetarian main course featuring butternut squash, corn, and beans – the three sisters of Indigenous American cuisine. This comforting stew is perfect for a festive gathering and boasts rich autumnal flavors that will impress your guests. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, satisfying meal.

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Low In Something White Rice Side Dishes Inexpensive

20 Minute Mexican Rice

Spice up your weeknight meal with this incredibly flavorful Mexican rice recipe, ready in under 25 minutes! Perfect for busy cooks who crave authentic taste. This recipe from [Newspaper Name] is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Dinner Party Sauces

4 Fun Salsa's In One

Dive into a fiesta of flavor with this recipe featuring four incredible salsas: a classic tomato salsa, a smoky chipotle salsa, a vibrant spiked fruity salsa, and a creamy guacamole salsa! Created by a collaborative culinary crew, this recipe is bursting with fresh ingredients and exciting flavor combinations. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner, these salsas are versatile enough to enhance any dish.

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Low In Something Low In Something Pork Chops High In Something

Adobo Pork Chops

Experience the explosion of flavors in this irresistible Adobo Pork Chops recipe! Inspired by a beloved BH&G recipe, these juicy pork chops are marinated in a savory adobo sauce, then grilled to perfection. Get ready for tender, flavorful pork chops that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Vegetables Easy Main Ingredient Dinner Party

Aloo Paratha Indian Potato Stuffed Flatbreads

Experience the irresistible flavors of Aloo Paratha, delicious Indian potato-stuffed flatbreads! These savory, pan-fried delights are a fantastic addition to any meal, especially when paired with a hearty soup like Chef Dave's roasted eggplant soup. Learn how to make this authentic recipe from scratch, with easy-to-follow instructions and perfectly measured ingredients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade, melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads!

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Course Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Beans

Alton Brown's Lentil Soup

This hearty and flavorful lentil soup recipe is a Good Eats classic, adapted from Alton Brown's iconic lentil episode. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a rich, satisfying soup packed with vegetables and protein. Easy to follow instructions and customizable to your taste!

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Cuisine Mexican Main Dish Course

Arroz Con Pollo

Inspired by Jorge Ayala's legendary Arroz con Pollo (that beat Bobby Flay!), this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of savory spices create a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Main Ingredient Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation

Arroz Con Pollo Cuban Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Arroz con Pollo recipe! This dish bursts with savory chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, authentic Cuban meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Inexpensive 4 Hours Or Less White Rice Easy

Arroz Moro White Rice With Cuban Black Beans

This vibrant Arroz Moro recipe combines tender white rice with savory Cuban black beans, creating a flavorful side dish perfect for any meal! Infused with aromatic spices like garlic, cumin, and oregano, this dish is incredibly easy to make and delivers authentic Cuban tastes. Elevate your next dinner with this simple yet satisfying recipe – a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress!

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Course Side Dishes Carrots Vegetables

Asian Spiced Roasted Baby Carrots

Sweet and savory perfection! These Asian Spiced Roasted Baby Carrots are a quick and easy side dish that's bursting with flavor. Using pre-peeled baby carrots saves you precious time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious Sara Moulton-inspired recipe in under an hour. The vibrant spices and glossy glaze create an unforgettable taste experience – perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

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Course Side Dishes Dietary Preparation

Avocado Fries With Chipotle Ketchup

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy avocado fries, made with a homemade chipotle ketchup, are the perfect appetizer or side dish. Perfectly golden-brown on the outside and creamy on the inside, they're unbelievably delicious. Easily customizable, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether served alongside chicken, as a vegan snack, or as a fun twist on traditional fries.

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Award Winning Texas Chili

This isn't just chili; it's a legend! Developed and perfected on the competitive Casi Chili circuit, this award-winning recipe delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite. No beans, onions, or peppers are added (though feel free to customize!), allowing the rich, complex spice blend to shine. This recipe utilizes a 'dump' method for easy, layered flavor development. Get ready for the best chili you've ever tasted! (Sazon Goya is optional).

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Dietary 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make High Calcium

Baharat Spice Blend

Unlock the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this easy-to-make Baharat spice blend! A warm and complex mix of aromatic spices, this versatile blend is perfect for everything from tagines and stews to roasted meats and vegetables. This homemade Baharat will elevate your dishes to new heights and keep for up to 6 months. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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South West Pacific Inexpensive Oven Cheese

Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

Indulge in this autumnal delight! This creamy Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta recipe, inspired by a classic from the July 2002 Australian Family Circle, is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a cozy night in. Roasted pumpkin's sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and a crunchy garlic breadcrumb topping. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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Low Protein Dietary Potatoes Low In Something

Baked Spicy French Fries Ww Core

Crispy, spicy, and totally guilt-free! These baked French fries are even better than the deep-fried versions. Made with a secret blend of spices, they're perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – without all the unhealthy fat. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both healthy and delicious! Perfect for Weight Watchers.

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Course Pakistani

Balti Fish Curry

This vibrant Balti Fish Curry recipe, inspired by an Australian Women's Weekly cookbook, is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal! Enjoy tender fish simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. A slightly adapted version with added salt (to taste), extra garlic for bolder flavor, and increased coconut cream for richness.

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Preparation Low Calorie Dietary Cuisine

Bamya Lamb Or Beef And Okra Stew

Experience the rich and savory flavors of the Mediterranean with this Bamya Lamb or Beef and Okra Stew! Tender lamb or beef slow-cooked to perfection with vibrant okra, fragrant spices, and juicy tomatoes. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions ensure a delicious outcome every time!

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