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

Course Course Main Dish

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

This hearty 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili is bursting with flavor and will quickly become a weeknight favorite! No one will miss the meat in this satisfying and incredibly delicious chili. Perfect for meal prepping, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Peppers

3 Bean Salad With Marinated Sweet Onions And Roasted Peppers

This 3-Bean Salad recipe is a game-changer! Forget everything you thought you knew about bean salads – this one's bursting with flavor thanks to perfectly marinated sweet onions and roasted peppers. We use Vidalia onions for the ultimate sweetness, but any sweet onion will work. Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant colors and incredible taste! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light summer lunch.

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Stove Top Dietary Low In Something Soups Stews

African Pork And Peanut Stew

A vibrant and flavorful African Pork and Peanut Stew recipe! This hearty stew boasts tender pork, rich peanut butter sauce, and warming spices. Garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts, it's a satisfying and exotic meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Add a kick with optional red pepper flakes!

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Healthy 2 Time To Make Healthy Corn

Ala Mexicana Corn Soup

Spice up your life with this vibrant Ala Mexicana Corn Soup! A gourmet recipe featuring sweet corn and zesty Mexican flavors, this creamy soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Made with fresh corn on the cob, this recipe delivers a burst of authentic Mexican taste in every spoonful.

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Stews Poultry Main Ingredient Beans

Algerian Chicken Stew

Experience the vibrant flavors of Algeria with this hearty chicken stew, adapted from "Extending the Table." Tender chicken simmers in a rich broth with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and garbanzo beans. Perfect served over fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily substitute goat or lamb for the chicken for a delicious twist!

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Chicken Soups Stews Presentation Mexican

Amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup

This wildly popular Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with fresh ingredients and a touch of spice, it's healthy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a vibrant weekend gathering. Easily customizable to your spice preference – leave out the jalapeño seeds for a milder version or add extra cayenne for a fiery kick! Leftovers disappear fast, so make a big batch!

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Time To Make Easy Poultry Preparation

Apricot Turkey Burgers

Juicy and flavorful Apricot Turkey Burgers, inspired by Cooking Light! These unique burgers combine sweet apricots with savory turkey for a delicious twist on a classic. Served on toasted buns with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ. Get ready for a burst of fresh, summery flavors!

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Chicken Breasts Meat Chicken Thighs Legs Main Ingredient

Arroz Con Pollo 1 Dish Meal

Craving authentic Arroz con Pollo? This one-pan recipe delivers a vibrant, delicious meal in just 45 minutes! Inspired by a homemade salsa (check out Leah's Food Processor Salsa recipe!), this dish is perfect for using up extra salsa and satisfying your Mexican food cravings. We start with pre-cooked rice for ultimate speed and convenience, making it ideal for a busy weeknight. Get ready for tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a burst of fresh salsa in every bite!

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One Dish Meal 60 Minutes Or Less Course Time To Make

Artichoke Chicken Bake

This Tex-Mex Artichoke Chicken Bake is a flavor explosion! Inspired by a can of artichokes, this easy recipe boasts a creamy, zesty sauce and tender chicken. The perfect weeknight meal, ready in under an hour. Sprinkle with your favorite cheese for extra cheesy goodness! (Note: The recipe is naturally salty; adjust to taste carefully.)

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Preparation Middle Eastern Main Dish Healthy 2

Assyrian Chicken And Potatoes With Yellow Rice

Aromatic and flavorful Assyrian feast! This recipe features tender chicken and potatoes baked to perfection with a vibrant saffron-infused yellow rice. Experience the rich spices of the Middle East in this comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Easy to follow instructions for delicious results!

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Poultry Mexican Taste Mood Cuisine

Authentic Style Chicken Quesadilla

Craving authentic Mexican restaurant flavors? These Chicken Quesadillas deliver! Tender chicken simmered in a zesty, homemade tomato sauce bursting with Mexican spices is folded into warm flour tortillas with melty American cheese. Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – your fiancé will agree!

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Inexpensive Spring Low In Something Novelty

Avocado Mango Salad

This vibrant Avocado Mango Salad is a fiesta for your taste buds! Packed with Vitamin A-rich avocados and sweet mango, this 5-minute recipe is the perfect healthy and flavorful side dish for your favorite Mexican cuisine. From enchiladas and quesadillas to tacos, this salad adds a creamy, refreshing contrast that will elevate your meal. Don't worry about the healthy fats – they're delicious!

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Eggs Dairy High In Something Time To Make Preparation

Avocado Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Experience a gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese! This recipe features creamy, buttery black Haas avocados (the best kind!), juicy tomatoes, and a hint of warm cumin for a flavor explosion. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated lunch, this sandwich is easily customizable for kids (cumin optional!). Prepare to be amazed by the rich, satisfying taste and texture.

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Course Time To Make Low Carb Low Sodium

Awesome Pan De Carne Paraguayan Meat Loaf

Experience the explosive flavors of Paraguay with this incredible Pan de Carne! This make-ahead meatloaf is incredibly easy – mix, roll, bake – and bursts with savory goodness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers juicy, tender meatloaf packed with vibrant vegetables. Adapted from a beloved family recipe, get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Salads Easy Vegetarian Beans

Aztec Black Bean Salad Vegan Low Fat

Spice up your life with this vibrant and flavorful Aztec Black Bean Salad! This vegan and low-fat recipe is perfect for meal prepping and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty chipotle lime dressing, this salad is a fiesta in every bite. Easily adaptable for cilantro-haters (Italian parsley works great!). Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare.

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Chicken Main Ingredient Time To Make Chicken

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Crispy baked chicken chimichangas, bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features tender chicken simmered in zesty salsa, then rolled into warm tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, spicy chili sauce, these chimichangas are a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or game-day snack.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Low Sodium Pork Casseroles

Baked Pork Chops With Vegetable Rice

This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful pork chops nestled in a vibrant bed of aromatic vegetable rice. A magazine-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this one-pan wonder is packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Mexican Meat

Baked Shredded Beef Chimichangas

Crispy baked chimichangas bursting with flavor! This recipe transforms tender shredded beef, simmered in a rich blend of spices, into delicious, golden-brown delights. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. These baked chimichangas are a healthier twist on a classic, but still deliver incredible taste and satisfying crunch. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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