Adventures in Food
Why aren’t you using…cumin
Cumin. It’s the 2nd most popular spice in the world after black pepper. And yet you’d have to dig to find it at the grocery store.
In the same family as parsley, dill and caraway seeds (with similar shape and look), cumin has a strong earthy flavor and smell. It adds that layer of old world essence to Mexican and Indian dishes.
When I seasoned our molcajete, I used cumin seeds to smooth out the rough surface of the Mexican mortar and pistol. While you can freshly ground your own cumin seeds, I’ll readily admit I usually don’t have time to do it. I order mine from Savory Spice, but you may have another spice shop in your neighborhood where you can pick up this must-have ingredient.
Try adding it to chili, barbecue sauces, soups, meat rubs, and anywhere else you might reach for chili powder.
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about 2 years ago
Mmmm! Dh uses cumin a lot because we love Indian food.
about 2 years ago
I love using it in tacos, burritos, rice dishes and pinto beans.
about 2 years ago
we use cumin often, especially in rice dishses, and with all sorts of vegetables. a dash of cumin never hurt marinara sauce, either…
about 2 years ago
I never used to like spicy or seasoned foods as a kid, but thank goodness I’ve seen the light as an adult. There’s something about a spicy dish I just love now, although since hubby does most of the cooking, I don’t get to experiment much. Maybe I’ll nestle a container of cumin in his Easter basket.
about 2 years ago
We’re huge cumin fans! We use it in lots of dishes, especially beans and couscous sauces. Also good with shrimp!
about 2 years ago
Really? In marinara? I’ll have to give that a try.
about 2 years ago
Great idea. Just to clarify, cumin isn’t hot at all. But I’m with you that when I was a kid I shied away from spicy stuff too. Now it seems I can’t eat anything without a hit of cayenne pepper:) I like flavor.
about 2 years ago
As a Texan, I can’t live without cumin — the flavor of great chili.
about 2 years ago
Ever since I learned cumin helps prevent cancer, I keep a bottle on the stove and add it from time to time.
about 2 years ago
I have cumin on my spice shelf but don’t use it. I think it’s an acquired taste, no? Maybe I’ll start experimenting with it now.
about 2 years ago
I think this is one of the few spices I don’t have in my pantry. But I love Indian and Mexican food (nothing too spicy) so maybe I should add it to my culinary repertoire.
about 2 years ago
I do think it’s an acquired taste. Once you get hooked, though, you’ll miss it in Mexican food–and Indian–when it’s not there.
about 2 years ago
I didn’t know that. I’ll start adding more!
about 2 years ago
Agreed. I always add cumin to chili–and pureed tomatillos.
about 2 years ago
My kid loves cumin in carrots, in a recipe I found in Matthew Amstell-Burton’s recent Hungry Monkey book. The butter and brown sugar only add to this simple side dish’s appeal.
about 2 years ago
Oooo, carrots, butter, brown sugar and cumin, that sounds good!
about 2 years ago
I do use cumin (I think!)! It’s in a corn salad I make. A very distinct and pleasing taste for sure. Sarah’s recipe above sounds really good, too!