12.16.2017
Cumin Substitute
Find the best cumin substitutes, swap tips for hummus, chili, tacos and Indian dishes, plus storage and simple ratio rules.
- Several common spices can replace cumin depending on the dish: coriander, caraway, chili powder, taco seasoning, curry powder, garam masala, paprika, or fennel.
- Use powder blends with a 1:1 start, reduce potent seeds like caraway, and toast whole seeds to release oils when swapping with ground cumin.
- Store whole seeds longer than ground. Taste and adjust amounts since substitutes change heat, sweetness, and citrus notes.
Cumin is a savory, nutty and almost lemony spice that’s used in many different dishes from many different regions of the world. While cumin offers an essential flavor to many dishes, it also has many alternatives you can use if you find yourself halfway through cooking your dish only to realize you’re out of cumin.
Substitutes for Cumin
Cumin’s earthy, aromatic essence with a citrusy note, is widely loved in many recipes like this dark side chili, our eggplant curry and this Afghan-style saffron rice. If you don’t have any cumin in the spice cabinet, you can still add depth and aromatics with one of the substitutes here:
- Ground coriander
- Caraway seeds
- Chili powder
- Taco seasoning
- Curry powder
- Garam masala
- Paprika
- Fennel seeds
Common Cumin Substitution Questions
What Is a Good Cumin Substitute in Hummus?
Hummus is a mediterranean dip and spread, used for dipping veggies or spreading onto pita for a falafel sandwich. Hummus’ star flavor is thanks to cumin, so what should you use if you don’t have cumin on hand? Using curry powder in place of cumin is a bit of a cheat since cumin is a main ingredient in curry powder, but if you have it on hand, it works perfectly. Other than that, you can use ground coriander or garam masala to add the cumin notes we love in hummus.
What Is a Good Cumin Substitute in Chili or tacos?
Both chili and tacos have very cumin-forward flavors that compliment the rich, meaty flavor in ground beef. If you don’t have cumin for either of these dishes, use chili powder or taco seasoning instead. If you don’t have either of those, you can use curry powder, ground coriander, paprika, or caraway seeds to take the place of cumin.
What Is Cumin?
Cumin is the seed of the plant Cuminum cyminum—a member of the apiaceae family alongside its cousins parsley, caraway, and fennel (just to name a few). Cumin is believed to be native first to Egypt’s Nile valley, quickly spreading to the eastern Mediterranean and southwest central Asia. Read more about cumin on our blog: Spice Spotlight: Cumin Seeds.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best substitutes for cumin?
Good swaps include ground coriander, caraway seeds, chili powder, taco seasoning, curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and fennel seeds. Pick one based on the cuisine and the flavor you want: coriander for citrusy notes, caraway for a similar earthy aroma, and chili or taco blends for Mexican-style dishes.
What should I use instead of cumin in hummus?
Curry powder works well because it contains cumin, but it changes the blend slightly. Ground coriander or garam masala also make good choices. Start with the same amount called for cumin and adjust to taste.
What is a good substitute for cumin in chili or tacos?
Use chili powder or taco seasoning first because they already include cumin. If you do not have those, try curry powder, ground coriander, paprika, or crushed caraway seeds. Begin with a 1:1 swap and tweak for heat and depth.
How do I swap between cumin seeds and ground cumin?
If a recipe calls for whole seeds and you only have ground, use slightly less ground spice because it releases flavor faster. If using whole seeds instead of ground, toast them briefly and use a bit more to match the aroma. Taste as you go.
What substitution ratios should I use?
For powdered blends like chili powder, curry powder, or garam masala, start 1:1. For milder coriander, you can use equal or a touch more. For stronger seeds like caraway, start with half to three quarters of the amount and add more if needed. Always adjust to taste.
Which substitute is best for Indian recipes?
Garam masala or curry powder are the closest because they often contain cumin and other complementary spices. Ground coriander can also help preserve the bright, slightly citrusy balance common in Indian dishes.
How should I store cumin and how long does it last?
Keep ground cumin and seeds in an airtight container away from light and heat. Whole seeds retain flavor longer, usually up to a year. Ground cumin is best used within six months for peak flavor. If it smells weak or stale, replace it.
What are the best substitutes for cumin?
Good swaps include ground coriander, caraway seeds, chili powder, taco seasoning, curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and fennel seeds. Pick one based on the cuisine and the flavor you want: coriander for citrusy notes, caraway for a similar earthy aroma, and chili or taco blends for Mexican-style dishes.
What should I use instead of cumin in hummus?
Curry powder works well because it contains cumin, but it changes the blend slightly. Ground coriander or garam masala also make good choices. Start with the same amount called for cumin and adjust to taste.
What is a good substitute for cumin in chili or tacos?
Use chili powder or taco seasoning first because they already include cumin. If you do not have those, try curry powder, ground coriander, paprika, or crushed caraway seeds. Begin with a 1:1 swap and tweak for heat and depth.
How do I swap between cumin seeds and ground cumin?
If a recipe calls for whole seeds and you only have ground, use slightly less ground spice because it releases flavor faster. If using whole seeds instead of ground, toast them briefly and use a bit more to match the aroma. Taste as you go.
What substitution ratios should I use?
For powdered blends like chili powder, curry powder, or garam masala, start 1:1. For milder coriander, you can use equal or a touch more. For stronger seeds like caraway, start with half to three quarters of the amount and add more if needed. Always adjust to taste.
Which substitute is best for Indian recipes?
Garam masala or curry powder are the closest because they often contain cumin and other complementary spices. Ground coriander can also help preserve the bright, slightly citrusy balance common in Indian dishes.
How should I store cumin and how long does it last?
Keep ground cumin and seeds in an airtight container away from light and heat. Whole seeds retain flavor longer, usually up to a year. Ground cumin is best used within six months for peak flavor. If it smells weak or stale, replace it.
Comments