7 Ways With Cumin

Updated October 29, 2007
Lee Harrelson

A primary ingredient in chili powder and curry powder, this aromatic seed is a staple in American cooking and around the world.

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Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Ana Kelly, Mindi Shapiro

This spice has a distinctive taste that's nutty and slightly peppery. Cultures all over the world incorporate cumin into their cuisine, and it's often mixed with other spices for curry and taco seasoning. These recipes show how cumin's earthy flavor enriches everything from guacamole to vegetables to meat.

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Avocado-Tomatillo Dip with Cumin Pita Chips

Avocado-Tomatillo Dip with Cumin Pita Chips Recipe

Buttery avocado and tart green Mexican tomatoes harmonize in this creamy dip. Although you can serve it with store-bought chips, do try it with the homemade pita chips flavored with crushed cumin seeds. They're a perfect match.

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Game-Day Chili

Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski

Game-Day Chili Recipe

This foolproof chili is spicy without being too hot. Ground chuck simmers with chili powder, an extra hint of ground cumin, canned chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and a bottle of dark beer.

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Spice-Crusted Salmon with Citrus Sauce

Credit: Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Spice-Crusted Salmon with Citrus Sauce Recipe

A mixture of whole cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) makes a flavorful crispy topping for baked salmon. The creamy sauce served on the side is flavored with ground cumin, citrus, and red pepper.

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Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Credit: Karen Steffens

Moroccan Vegetable Stew Recipe

Let your slow cooker take you to an exotic locale tonight as a host of spices, including ground cumin, simmer all day long with eggplant, cauliflower, zucchini, onion, canned tomatoes, chick peas, currants, and almonds.

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Wilted Cabbage with Toasted Cumin

Credit: Photography: Karry Hosford

Wilted Cabbage with Toasted Cumin Recipe

Pan roasted cumin seeds and sherry vinegar give a rich flavor to milder Savoy cabbage. It's a perfect and easy side dish for roasted meats. If you don't have Savoy cabbage, use a mild flavored Napa (Chinese cabbage) instead.

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Chickpea Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette

Credit: James Baigire

Chickpea Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette Recipe

Mild chickpeas get a wake-up call with a spicy ground cumin vinaigrette, roasted bell peppers, feta cheese, capers, thyme, and parsley. Take this colorful side salad to picnics or to work and serve it cold or at room temperature.

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Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Chops

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Chops Recipe

Ground cumin is the focal point of a simple spice rub used to coat skillet-cooked pork chops. Make extra of the flavorful rub because you'll want to try it on chicken, pork tenderloin, and beef.

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