Cumin Powder

Cuminum cyminum Spice

Cumin Powder Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking ancient warmth in modern global cuisine."

Definition

A warm, earthy, and pungent spice made from the dried, ground seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, fundamental in many world cuisines.

Digestive Aid Traditionally used to aid digestion and combat bloating
Global Usage Core spice in over 80% of Indian & Middle Eastern dishes
Potency Retention Best for 1-2 years stored airtight, then flavor diminishes

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cumin Powder are:

Warm earthy pungent slightly bitter aromatic

Chef’s Secret

Always 'bloom' cumin powder by toasting lightly in hot oil for 30-60 seconds before adding other ingredients to deepen its flavor.

Best Substitutes

Ground Coriander

lighter aroma
Ratio 1:1

Chili Powder

adds warmth with different flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Opt for whole seeds to grind fresh for maximum potency; otherwise, buy in small quantities from a reputable source.

Recipes Using Cumin Powder

60 Minutes Or Less Beans Course Time To Make

Beans And Bamboo Shoots

Embark on a culinary journey to Nepal with this vibrant and flavorful Beans and Bamboo Shoots recipe! This dish is a true taste sensation, showcasing the unique spices and ingredients of Nepali cuisine. Learn how to use pungent mustard oil (or a stone-ground mustard substitute) to create a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements tender beans and crisp bamboo shoots. Serve with rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for adventurous home cooks looking to explore global flavors!

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Dietary Vegetables Condiments Etc 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Raita Indian Guacamole

Spice up your life with Avocado Raita, a vibrant Indian twist on classic guacamole! This creamy, cool, and incredibly flavorful dip is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Made with ripe avocados, zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and cooling yogurt, it's a refreshing explosion of taste in every bite. Easily customizable to your spice preference – add more green chilies and red chili powder for an extra kick! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.

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Time To Make Cuisine 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Beef Bombay Curry

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Beef Bombay Curry, adapted from a treasured Dutch cookbook! This recipe elevates tender beefsteak to aromatic perfection with a blend of warming spices. The slow-simmered curry, infused with coconut milk, creates a luxuriously creamy and deeply satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Occasion 1 Day Or More Occasion Main Ingredient

Aarsis Ultimate Hariyali Chicken Tikka

Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this ultimate Hariyali Chicken Tikka recipe! Tender chicken breast is marinated in a vibrant green paste bursting with fresh cilantro, mint, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Time To Make Course Occasion Weeknight

6 Step Chicken Tikka

Experience the explosion of flavor in this incredibly juicy and tender 6-Step Chicken Tikka recipe! Perfectly marinated and expertly cooked, this dish is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress. Easy to follow instructions and minimal prep time make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Onions North American Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less

Ann's Version Of Posole By The Shed

Craving the magic of The Shed's famous posole but can't make it to Santa Fe? This recipe brings the taste of New Mexico right to your kitchen! Warm yourself on a chilly evening with this hearty and flavorful pork posole. For an authentic taste, seek out New Mexico red chile flakes – they're incredible! McCormick's is a great alternative if you can't find them. Don't forget the fluffy, warm corn tortillas for the perfect finishing touch!

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Equipment Meat Sauces Preparation

All Purpose Marinade Mop Dipping Sauce

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender brisket and mouthwatering BBQ flavor with Chef Paul's versatile marinade! This single recipe transforms into a delicious marinade for your brisket, a tangy beer mop for basting, and a rich dipping or BBQ sauce – all from the same amazing base. Perfect for elevating your BBQ game, this recipe is a must-try for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters. Get ready for incredible flavor in less time than you think!

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Vegetarian Lunch Vegetarian Asian

Batata Vada Potato Dumplings

Experience the authentic taste of Mumbai's iconic street food: Batata Vada! These crispy potato dumplings, served in a soft pav (bread roll) with spicy chutneys, are a delicious and affordable treat. This recipe recreates the magic of those rs. 4 street delights, letting you savor the explosion of flavors at home. Enjoy them plain, with chutney, or sandwiched in pav – the possibilities are endless!

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Cuisine

Aloo Bengun

Experience the rich, savory delight of Aloo Bengun, a classic Indian potato and eggplant curry. This comforting dish boasts tender potatoes and smoky eggplant simmered in a fragrant blend of spices. Leftovers are even better! Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Curries Main Dish Shrimp Curries

Rathu Isso Curry Sri Lankan Red Prawn Curry

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka with this authentic Rathu Isso Curry! This fiery red prawn curry, inspired by Chamaine Solomon, is a delicious explosion of spices and seafood. A fragrant pandan leaf adds an exotic touch to this easily-made, yet incredibly flavorful dish. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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30 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Lunch Brunch

Vegetarian Bollywood Lentil Burgers And Nuggets

Spice up your life with these incredibly versatile vegetarian lentil and tofu burgers! Perfect as hearty patties or bite-sized nuggets, they're bursting with flavor and texture. Enjoy them straight from the pan, grilled for BBQ flavor, or even breaded and fried! The possibilities are endless – from classic burger toppings to cheesy parmesan delights or a surprising burrito filling. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Main Ingredient Asian 60 Minutes Or Less Ground Beef

Aloo Keema

Experience Aloo Keema like never before! This unique Pakistani recipe flips the traditional method, building a rich masala base *first* before adding the flavorful keema (minced meat). Inspired by a Pakistani cooking show, this aromatic curry boasts a depth of flavor that's simply unforgettable. Serve it hot with fluffy parathas or chapati and a refreshing mint raita for a truly authentic experience. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Beef Meat High Protein Time To Make

Alexandrian Style Liver Kebda Eskandarani

Experience the vibrant flavors of Alexandria with this incredibly popular Kebda Eskandarani recipe! Tender liver, marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, spices, and zesty lime, is pan-fried to perfection. This authentic Egyptian dish is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. A must-try for adventurous eaters and Egyptian food lovers!

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Preparation Indian Preparation Cuisine

Aloo Chops

Experience the irresistible crunch and flavorful heart of authentic Indian Aloo Chops! This classic recipe, adapted from Margaret Fulton's esteemed book of Indian cooking, delivers perfectly spiced potato patties that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A delightful appetizer or snack, these Aloo Chops are sure to impress. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Time To Make Central American

Belizean Meat Pies

Experience the fiery flavors of Belize with these authentic Belizean Meat Pies! This easy recipe, inspired by a popular Ambergris Caye forum post, delivers savory, spicy hand pies perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend baking project. Using a food processor ensures perfectly textured dough, creating a flaky crust that complements the rich meat filling. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Caribbean!

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4 Hours Or Less Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less North American

Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie

Skip the fuss, keep the flavor! This Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie is a delicious shortcut to your favorite tamale experience. A comforting casserole combining the best of two classic recipes (inspired by #191472 and #168006), this dish features a creamy cornmeal topping and a hearty chili filling. Made with finely ground cornmeal (or masa harina!), it's topped with a vibrant cilantro cream sauce (recipe #171578) for the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and impossible to resist!

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Course Taste Mood Time To Make Technique

Subru Uncle's Delicious's Indian Sambar Veg Curry We All Love

This family-favorite South Indian Sambar recipe, perfected over 13 years by Subru Uncle (a former Oman hotel chef!), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the rich aroma of spices filling your kitchen as you create this authentic, flavorful curry. Served hot with rice, it's a complete meal that's perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions – it even disappears quickly at potlucks! Learn Subru Uncle's secret to a gold-star sambar and elevate your Indian cooking today. Pairs perfectly with our recipe #17933 (presumably rasam).

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Inexpensive Low In Something Asian Indian

Baked Samosas From The New Revised Edition Moosewood Cookbook

Enjoy the irresistible flavors of samosas without the guilt! This recipe offers a healthier baked version of the traditional fried samosa, retaining all the deliciousness while significantly reducing the fat content. Crisp, golden-brown pastries filled with a fragrant spiced potato and pea mixture, perfect served with your favorite chutney. A delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or a cozy night in!

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