Top 10 Best Substitutes for Cumin
Cumin is a spice that adds a unique, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor to a variety of dishes, particularly those of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. If you don’t have cumin on hand or don’t like its flavor, here are the top 10 best substitutes that you can use in its place.
What is cumin?
Cumin is a spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which is native to the eastern Mediterranean and South Asia. It is a member of the parsley family and is related to other spices such as caraway, parsley, and dill. Cumin has an earthy, warm flavor and is commonly used in cooking to add depth and complexity to dishes. It is a key ingredient in many spice blends, such as taco seasoning, curry powder, and chili powder. Cumin is used in a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and North African. In the United States, Tex-Mex is a popular cooking style that incorporates cumin into many recipes. It can also be used to flavor everything from soups and stews to rice dishes and meat marinades.
Ground cumin vs cumin seeds
Ground cumin is made by grinding whole cumin seeds into a powder. It has a warm, earthy flavor and a slightly bitter taste. Ground cumin is a popular spice used in many dishes, including chili, tacos, curries, and stews. It is often used as a seasoning in spice blends such as garam masala and chili powder.
Cumin seeds are the dried fruit of the cumin plant. They have a distinctive shape and are small, oblong, and ridged. Cumin seeds have a warm, nutty flavor and a slightly bitter taste. They are often used in whole form as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, where they are added to dishes like biryanis, stews, and curries. Cumin seeds can also be used in ground form to make cumin powder, which is made by grinding the seeds in a spice grinder.
Substitution List
Coriander
Coriander seeds are a good substitute that has a similar flavor profile to cumin, with a citrusy, slightly sweet, and earthy taste. You can use coriander seeds in the same quantity as cumin seeds or powder.
Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds have a nutty, anise-like flavor that is slightly bitter, but not as intense as cumin. Use caraway seeds in the same quantity as cumin seeds or powder.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is a spice mix that typically contains a blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes oregano and red pepper flakes. Since taco seasoning contains cumin, it will have a distinct cumin flavor but with a slightly different flavor profile. This spice mix is one of the best substitutes when used in Tex-Mex recipes.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a blend of spices that includes cumin, along with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. Use chili powder in place of cumin for a spicy and smoky flavor.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is another Indian spice blend with different flavors that contains cumin, along with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices. Use garam masala in place of cumin for a warm and slightly sweet flavor.
Paprika
Paprika is a mild, sweet spice made from ground red peppers. It has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that can be used in place of cumin for a less spicy taste.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices that includes cumin, along with coriander, turmeric, ginger, and other spices. You can use curry powder in place of cumin for a more complex and aromatic flavor.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a licorice-like flavor similar to caraway seeds, but they are sweeter and milder. Use fennel seeds in the same quantity as cumin seeds or powder.
Tumeric
Turmeric has a warm, slightly bitter flavor commonly used in Indian cuisine. Use turmeric in place of cumin for a less pungent flavor and a bright yellow color.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds have a sharp, pungent flavor that can add a zesty kick to dishes. Use mustard seeds in the same quantity as cumin seeds or powder.
Recipes with cumin
- Easy Black Bean Corn & Avocado Salsa– refreshing and zippy with corn, beans, tomatoes, and avocado that pairs well with tortilla chips.
- Butternut Squash Turkey Chili– combines savory flavors of turkey and spices with a hint of sweetness from the butternut squash.
