Cumin Seeds

Cumin seed, is commonly used in Mexican cooking (comino) as well as a common ingredient in Indian and Malaysian cooking. Overused cumin becomes very overpowering so keep that in mind when adding this spice to your recipe.

Cumin is used in many, if not most chili recipes.  For best results, toast whole cumin seed in a hot, dry skillet just until it becomes aromatic.  Remove, let it cool, then grind it in a electric spice grinder or in a mortar and pestle.

Substitute For Cumin Seed

If you don't have cumin and you need a substitute, here are a couple of alternatives (per teaspoon needed):

•  You can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin to replace 1 teaspoon of cumin seed.
• OR - 1 teaspoon Chili powder (the commercially prepared chile powder with a high cumin content).
• OR - You can replace it with 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
• OR - You can use 1 teaspoon of caraway seed but it is not our first choice.  The flavor is very different, very strong and slightly licorice in taste.  If you like caraway seed and you have it in your spice cabinet, then go for it.