Cumin

Cuminum cyminum Spice

Cumin Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

An aromatic spice derived from the dried seed of a flowering plant, known for its warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor.

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).

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cumin are:

Warm earthy pungent slightly bitter smoky

Chef’s Secret

Toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant before grinding. This deepens their flavor profile dramatically, transforming them from merely earthy to intensely aromatic and nutty.

Best Substitutes

Ground Coriander

different flavor but similar earthiness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For maximum flavor, buy whole cumin seeds and grind them yourself just before use. Look for a strong, distinct aroma.

Recipes Using Cumin

Chili Occasion American Time To Make

2 Alarm Chili

Recreate your favorite 2-Alarm Chili at home for a fraction of the cost! This copycat recipe captures all the bold flavor of that popular chili packet, but with fresh, customizable ingredients. Perfect for chili nights, game days, or any time you crave a hearty, spicy meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Eggs Dairy 60 Minutes Or Less Course Time To Make

3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into a cheesy, comforting explosion of flavor with these 3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! Tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a tangy enchilada sauce combine in this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying culinary adventure!

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Sandwiches Taste Mood Preparation Time To Make

Algerian Garantita Karanteta Chickpea Garbanzo Souffle

Discover the irresistible Algerian Garantita Karanteta – a beloved national dish! This chickpea flour souffle, also known as 'fast food' in Algeria, boasts a wonderfully unique texture: golden and crisp on the outside, yet delightfully soft and squishy inside, much like a savory souffle. Traditionally served in baguettes with fiery harissa, this recipe delivers an explosion of flavors. Easily made with chickpea flour (besan), readily available at Indian or Middle Eastern grocers, or homemade by grinding dried chickpeas. Prepare to be amazed by this much-requested family recipe – a true taste of Algeria!

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Midwestern Dietary Low Carb Midwestern

Almost Authentic Cincinnati Chili

Satisfy your Cincinnati chili cravings with this adaptable recipe! Inspired by Skyline Chili (but don't tell Nick, he prefers Goldstar!), this version is close enough to home to ease those withdrawal pangs. We've tweaked it for deliciousness, making it perfect for pasta topping and customization. Get ready for a flavorful journey!

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Time To Make Vegan Course 4 Hours Or Less

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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Low Cholesterol Low Protein Vegetables Course

Aloo Phujia

Aloo Phujia is a vibrant and flavorful Indian potato dish bursting with spicy warmth! This recipe features tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions, perfectly seasoned with a blend of warming spices. Get ready for an explosion of taste in just 50 minutes!

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Dietary Low In Something Time To Make Easy

Aqua Negra Marinade

Ignite your taste buds with our sensational Aqua Negra Marinade! This vibrant blend of zesty citrus, smoky spices, and savory herbs transforms ordinary carnitas, fajitas, flank steak, and chicken into unforgettable culinary masterpieces. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a memorable fiesta, this Rio Bravo-inspired marinade delivers bold flavor in as little as 1 hour or up to overnight. Prepare to be amazed!

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South American Dinner Party Easy Sauces

Argentine Red Sauce And Marinade

Fire up the grill! This vibrant Argentine Chimichurri Rojo, adapted from Canadian Living's Get Grilling (Summer 2007), is the perfect marinade and sauce for lamb chops, pork chops, steak, or chicken. Infuse your meat with bold flavors in just 4-24 hours for a mouthwatering grilling experience. One-third cup marinates 1 lb of meat. Make a batch and enjoy this delicious sauce all week long!

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Chicken Low Calorie Main Ingredient Main Dish

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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Main Ingredient Novelty Low Cholesterol Fruit

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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Easy Tex Mex Holiday Event Weeknight

Awesome Pinto Beans

Fall-off-the-bone tender pinto beans with a rich, savory flavor! This recipe delivers perfectly juicy beans, ideal for dipping tortillas and spooning over your favorite BBQ. Topped with fresh diced onions for a delightful crunch, these beans are a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish or hearty main course. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!

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Course Number Of Servings 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

B Nutty Dip Aka Lucky 13 Hummus

This lucky #13 hummus recipe is a protein-packed, lemony, garlicky, and nutty twist on a classic! Made with 13 ingredients (each using amounts of 1 or 3), this dip is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a spread on sandwiches, with pita chips, or as a healthy snack with veggies. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Main Ingredient Elbow Macaroni Kid Friendly Vegetables

Baked Chili Mac

Craving a comforting and flavorful dinner? This Baked Buffalo Chili Mac recipe is a game-changer! Inspired by a childhood cafeteria favorite, this recipe elevates classic chili mac with a spicy buffalo twist. We're using ground buffalo meat for a unique flavor profile, combined with hearty elbow macaroni, vibrant chili spices, and a gooey cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this adaptable recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying culinary adventure!

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Low In Something Main Ingredient Vegetarian Low Fat

Baked Falafel Balls

Experience the joy of perfectly baked falafel balls – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and completely oil-free! This healthy and delicious recipe skips the deep fryer, making it a guilt-free treat. Serve these delightful balls in warm pita bread with your favorite cooling cucumber sauce for a truly unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

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Taste Mood American Beans Taste Mood

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls With Avocado Ranch

Crispy baked Southwestern egg rolls bursting with corn, black beans, spinach, and spicy chilies, served with a cool and creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce. This recipe makes 48 small or 24 large egg rolls – perfect for a crowd! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Vegetables Dietary Low Cholesterol

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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Low Calorie 60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Preparation

Banders Black Bean Soup

This quick and easy black bean soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Made with canned beans for ultimate convenience, you can customize the spice level to your liking. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful soup that's easily adaptable to vegetarian/vegan diets by simply swapping out the bacon for soy bacon bits and using vegetable broth. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal in under an hour!

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