Spice
Cumin
Also called cumin seed, ground cumin
What it is
The seed of Cuminum cyminum. Toasting changes it from dusty to essential.
Origin
Eastern Mediterranean and South Asia.
Flavour
Warm, earthy, slightly bitter.
How to use it
Bloom in oil for shakshuka and many Indian and Mexican dishes.
Storage
Whole seeds last longer than powder.
Can you recognise Cumin?
Ingredient challengeQuestions about Cumin
From this ingredient's notes in the catalogue — not a chatbot.
What is Cumin?
The seed of Cuminum cyminum. Toasting changes it from dusty to essential.
How do I use Cumin?
Bloom in oil for shakshuka and many Indian and Mexican dishes.
How do I store Cumin?
Whole seeds last longer than powder.
What does it taste like?
Warm, earthy, slightly bitter.
Nutrition
Per 100g · estimate · USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables. Values are typical, not lab tests of your shopping bag.
Recipes using it
Tacos al pastor
Tacos al pastor
Mexico City pork tacos with achiote, chilli and pineapple — shawarma technique that became something entirely Mexican.
3 hr 10 minMedium🌶️🌶️
Butter chicken
मुरग़ मखनी
Delhi restaurant gravy: tandoori-style chicken in a tomato-butter sauce. Famous, modern, and not a stand-in for 'Indian food'.
2 hr 5 minMedium🌶️
Shakshuka
شكشوكة
Eggs poached in a spiced tomato-pepper sauce. Maghrebi-Levantine family food, not a brunch fad that appeared in 2014.
45 minEasy🌶️
Anticuchos
Anticuchos
Grilled skewers in ají and vinegar — traditionally heart, honestly also steak if that is what you will eat.
2 hr 30 minEasy🌶️🌶️
Dal tadka
दाल तड़का
Tempered lentils — the everyday pot, finished with ghee, cumin and chilli in hot fat.
45 minEasy🌶️
Jeera rice
जीरा राइस
Cumin-tempered rice — the quiet plate that makes a gravy make sense.
50 minEasyNo chilli
Aloo gobi
आलू गोभी
Potato and cauliflower, dry-ish, turmeric-stained — a sabzi, not a swamp.
40 minEasy🌶️
Chole
छोले
Chickpeas in a dark, sour-spiced gravy — Punjabi chana that wants bhatura or rice, not a mild hummus energy.
9 hrMedium🌶️🌶️
Harira
الحريرة
The Ramadan soup — tomato, lentils, chickpeas, herbs, a little meat if the house wants it.
1 hr 10 minEasy🌶️
Chicken tagine
طاجين الدجاج
Chicken with preserved lemon and olives — the Moroccan pot people mean when they say tagine.
1 hr 15 minMedium🌶️
Zaalouk
زعلوك
Cooked eggplant and tomato salad — smoky if you char the eggplant, a dip if you mash it.
45 minEasy🌶️
Hummus
حمص
Chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic — a dip, not a yoghurt smoothie, and not a Turkish restaurant garnish.
8 hr 15 minEasyNo chilli
Falafel
فلافل
Fried ground chickpeas or fava — herbs, garlic, a crisp shell. Not a mashed leftover patty.
12 hr 40 minMedium🌶️
Kibbeh
كبة
Bulgur and lamb, pounded or pulsed — fried torpedoes, a tray bake, or raw if you trust the butcher.
1 hr 40 minA bit of work🌶️
Mujadara
مجدرة
Lentils, rice and a scandal of fried onion — the cheap pot that tastes like a house.
1 hrEasyNo chilli
Kafta
كفتة
Minced lamb, parsley and onion on a skewer — the Levantine grill that is not a burger.
30 minEasy🌶️
Batata harra
بطاطا حارة
Potatoes fried and tossed with garlic, chilli and coriander — hot in both senses if you want them to be.
40 minEasy🌶️🌶️
Ful medames
فول مدمس
Slow fava beans, lemon, cumin, oil — Egyptian breakfast that is also lunch, and not a hummus.
9 hr 40 minEasy🌶️
Algerian Carrots
Algerian Carrots from Algeria. Times were inferred from the source steps.
49 minMediumNo chilli
Tajine de Poulet aux Carottes et Patates Douces (Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine)
Tajine de Poulet aux Carottes et Patates Douces
Tajine de Poulet aux Carottes et Patates Douces (Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine) from Algeria. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 50 minA bit of work🌶️
Barramundi with Moroccan spices
Barramundi with Moroccan spices from Australia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hrMedium🌶️
Chtitha Batata (Algerian Potato Stew)
Chtitha Batata
Chtitha Batata (Algerian Potato Stew) from Algeria. Times were inferred from the source steps.
54 minMedium🌶️
Avocado dip with new potatoes
Avocado dip with new potatoes from Australia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 16 minMedium🌶️
Mini chilli beef pies
Mini chilli beef pies from Australia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 6 minA bit of work🌶️
Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik from Malaysia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
9 hr 45 minA bit of work🌶️
Chakchouka
Chakchouka from Tunisia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
40 minMedium🌶️
Chicken Shawarma with homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce
Chicken Shawarma with homemade garlic herb yoghurt sauce from Saudi Arabia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
12 hr 58 minA bit of work🌶️
Corba
Corba from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
47 minA bit of workNo chilli
Grilled aubergines with spicy chickpeas & walnut sauce
Grilled aubergines with spicy chickpeas & walnut sauce from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
30 minA bit of work🌶️
Shawarma
Shawarma from Egypt. Times were inferred from the source steps.
48 hr 25 minA bit of work🌶️
Hot cumin lamb wrap with crunchy slaw & spicy mayo
Hot cumin lamb wrap with crunchy slaw & spicy mayo from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
14 minMediumNo chilli
McSinghs Scotch pie
McSinghs Scotch pie from United Kingdom. Times were inferred from the source steps.
9 hr 15 minA bit of work🌶️
Mutabbaq
Mutabbaq from Saudi Arabia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
35 minA bit of workNo chilli
Panang chicken curry (kaeng panang gai)
Panang chicken curry
Panang chicken curry (kaeng panang gai) from Thailand. Times were inferred from the source steps.
20 minA bit of work🌶️
Piri-piri chicken and slaw
Piri-piri chicken and slaw from Portugal. Times were inferred from the source steps.
2 hr 50 minA bit of work🌶️
Shakshuka Feta Cheese
Shakshuka Feta Cheese from Saudi Arabia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
30 minMediumNo chilli
Shawarma chuck roast wrap
Shawarma chuck roast wrap from Saudi Arabia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
10 hr 30 minMedium🌶️
Smoky Lentil Chili with Squash
Begin by roasting the squash. Slice it into thin crescents and drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with sea salt. I added a fresh little sage I had in the fridge, but it’s unnecessary. Roast the squash a 205 C (400 F)
9 hr 30 minA bit of work🌶️
Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon, fennel & citrus
Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon, fennel & citrus from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
14 hrMediumNo chilli
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans from Mexico. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 7 minA bit of work🌶️
Tamiya
Tamiya from Egypt. Times were inferred from the source steps.
8 hr 45 minMedium🌶️
Tunisian Lamb Soup
Tunisian Lamb Soup from Tunisia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
50 minA bit of work🌶️
Turkish lahmacun
Turkish lahmacun from Vietnam. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 35 minA bit of work🌶️
Braised Beef Chilli
Braised Beef Chilli from Mexico. Times were inferred from the source steps.
2 hr 20 minA bit of work🌶️
Chicken wings with cumin, lemon & garlic
Chicken wings with cumin, lemon & garlic from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
10 hr 30 minEasyNo chilli
Egyptian Fatteh
Egyptian Fatteh from Egypt. Times were inferred from the source steps.
3 hr 20 minA bit of workNo chilli
Lamb & apricot meatballs
Lamb & apricot meatballs from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
25 minMediumNo chilli
Leblebi Soup
Leblebi Soup from Tunisia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 15 minMedium🌶️
Pork & sauerkraut goulash
Pork & sauerkraut goulash from Poland. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 34 minMediumNo chilli
Roasted chicken with creamy walnut sauce
Roasted chicken with creamy walnut sauce from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
53 minMediumNo chilli
Fish fofos
Fish fofos from Portugal. Times were inferred from the source steps.
42 minMedium🌶️
Crock Pot Chicken Baked Tacos
Crock Pot Chicken Baked Tacos from Mexico. Times were inferred from the source steps.
4 hr 45 minA bit of work🌶️
Lamb Tzatziki Burgers
Lamb Tzatziki Burgers from Greece. Times were inferred from the source steps.
25 minMediumNo chilli
Moroccan Carrot Soup
Moroccan Carrot Soup from Morocco. Times were inferred from the source steps.
37 minMediumNo chilli
Smoky chicken skewers
Smoky chicken skewers from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
24 minMediumNo chilli
Vegetarian Shakshuka
Vegetarian Shakshuka from Saudi Arabia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
30 minMedium🌶️
Beetroot latkes
Beetroot latkes from Ukraine. Times were inferred from the source steps.
25 minMediumNo chilli
Chilli ginger lamb chops
Chilli ginger lamb chops from Turkey. Times were inferred from the source steps.
8 hr 13 minMedium🌶️
Lamb Tagine
Lamb Tagine from Morocco. Times were inferred from the source steps.
2 hr 14 minA bit of workNo chilli
Vegetarian Casserole
Vegetarian Casserole from United Kingdom. Times were inferred from the source steps.
50 minA bit of workNo chilli
Dal fry
Dal fry from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hrA bit of work🌶️
Chicken Handi
Chicken Handi from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hrA bit of work🌶️
Kidney Bean Curry
Kidney Bean Curry from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
28 minMediumNo chilli
Lamb Biryani
Lamb Biryani from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 54 minA bit of work🌶️
Recheado Masala Fish
Recheado Masala Fish from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 35 minA bit of work🌶️
Stovetop Eggplant With Harissa, Chickpeas, and Cumin Yogurt
Stovetop Eggplant With Harissa, Chickpeas, and Cumin Yogurt from United States. Times were inferred from the source steps.
35 minMedium🌶️
Tandoori chicken
Tandoori chicken from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 28 minMedium🌶️
Venezuelan Shredded Beef
Venezuelan Shredded Beef from Venezuela. Times were inferred from the source steps.
40 minA bit of workNo chilli
Venezuelan turnovers
Venezuelan turnovers from Venezuela. Times were inferred from the source steps.
55 minA bit of workNo chilli
Arepa pelua
Arepa pelua from Venezuela. Times were inferred from the source steps.
2 hr 23 minMediumNo chilli
Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
23 minMedium🌶️
Empanadas
Empanadas from Argentina. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 5 minMediumNo chilli
Venezuelan Coconut Chicken
Venezuelan Coconut Chicken from Venezuela. Times were inferred from the source steps.
43 minA bit of workNo chilli
Ropa Veija
Ropa Veija from Cuba. Times were inferred from the source steps.
3 hr 50 minA bit of workNo chilli
Pollo en Salsa
Chopped pepper, onion and tomato and set aside. Turn on Instant Pot in sauteed setting for 8 minutes. Add a little bit of olive oil and add, onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper, cumin, oregano salt and pepper and sauteed
44 minMediumNo chilli
Colombian Style Stuffed Potatoes
Colombian Style Stuffed Potatoes from Colombia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
54 minA bit of workNo chilli
Gallo pinto
Gallo pinto from Costa Rica. Times were inferred from the source steps.
22 minMediumNo chilli
Chuletas de Cerdo a la Criolla (Pork Chops in Creole Sauce)
Chuletas de Cerdo a la Criolla
Chuletas de Cerdo a la Criolla (Pork Chops in Creole Sauce) from Colombia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
9 hr 35 minMediumNo chilli
Camaro Grelhado Com Molho Cru (Grilled Prawns with Green Onion Sauce)
Camaro Grelhado Com Molho Cru
Camaro Grelhado Com Molho Cru (Grilled Prawns with Green Onion Sauce) from Angola. Times were inferred from the source steps.
14 minMediumNo chilli
Papas Chorreadas Recipe (Potatoes with Cream and Cheese Sauce)
Papas Chorreadas Recipe
Papas Chorreadas Recipe (Potatoes with Cream and Cheese Sauce) from Colombia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
52 minA bit of workNo chilli
Black Beans Hotpot
Black Beans Hotpot from Costa Rica. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 5 minMediumNo chilli
Black Bean soup
Black Bean soup from Cuba. Times were inferred from the source steps.
42 minA bit of work🌶️
Cabbage with Ground Beef
Cabbage with Ground Beef from Bulgaria. Times were inferred from the source steps.
54 minA bit of workNo chilli
Slow-cooked, Wadadli-spiced Cubano pork belly
Blitz all the marinade ingredients in a food processor or with a hand blender. Lay the pork in a large dish, pour over the marinade, then turn the meat in the mixture, rubbing in the marinade all over and making sure eve
10 hr 15 minA bit of work🌶️
Bengali Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Bengali Chicken Curry with Potatoes from Bangladesh. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 5 minMedium🌶️
Breaded Steak Recipe (Lomo de Res Apanado)
Breaded Steak Recipe
Breaded Steak Recipe (Lomo de Res Apanado) from Colombia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
8 hr 14 minMediumNo chilli
Chilean Empanada
Make the filling: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until onion is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add pork and cook until completely browne
1 hr 7 minA bit of workNo chilli
Creamy Aji green sauce
Creamy Aji green sauce from Brazil. Times are typical for this kind of dish.
10 minMedium🌶️