Cumin Substitutes You Need To Have In The Cupboards

For cumin substitutes, things are made easier if you have the best alternatives to grab once you run out of a supply of the said herb. So, let us learn what these alternatives are.

What if your recipe calls for a cumin and you don’t have the supply at all? What will you do now? Will you sacrifice your desired flavor because of having no cumin? I hope you’ll not! Why? Only because you can use other herbs or spices as alternatives to cumin. But, what are the best cumin substitutes?

If you don’t have any idea, then continue reading to learn the best alternatives to grab once you need the flavor that cumin provides.

Here are the best cumin substitutes that you must have in your kitchen:

Coriander

This one is the most popular when it comes to substituting cumin. Well, there is a good reason why it is on top of the list. If you need cumin seeds or ground one, this is the ideal alternative. The taste might not be identical, but they are the same and could be used as substitutes for one another without exerting too much effort.

To make this as a perfect substitute, you need to check the amount of needed ground or cumin seeds first. And after that, use only half of the coriander, and that’s it!

Why do this? Coriander is considered to be a lot stronger compared to cumin regarding flavor, so you have to begin only with half the amount. You might increase the said amount in small increments up until you reach the desired flavor.

Chili Powder

Knowing that cumin is commonly found in Mexican food and it offers a healthy kick of spice, it must come as no surprise which chili powder is a great substitute too. This one is also one of the ingredients in chili powder that is a spice mix.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that chili powder as well includes cayenne powder, paprika, and garlic powder, making it provides a significant amount of heat. You only need to use about half as much of this powder as you will use of cumin, so you don’t end up burning your mouth!

Also, chili powder is also capable of helping you in digestion and soothing inflammation throughout one’s body.

You may be interested in How To Thicken Chili

Caraway Seeds

In most cases, curry powders already have a moderate amount of cumin mixed in along with mustard, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek seed and other spices. So, it serves as a great cumin substitute too. This powder is considered as a more pungent and potent replacement, so there is a need to use less than a one is to one ratio according to the recipe.

In fact, the inclusion of the turmeric as well tends to change the color of the meal into something like a bit of yellow that might not be the look you are expecting. With regards to health effects, this alternative also does many things the same as cumin.

Chipotle Seasoning

This one is considered as a smokey replacement which also offers a touch of heat. Chipotle seasoning has sweet chipotle, oregano, thyme, smoked, other spices and of course cumin. These are blended in order to create an earthy and unique flavor.

The flavor might not be identical, but this is an ideal substitute particularly in South Western dishes which benefit its flavor profile.

As for using as an alternative, just add a small amount at first. And taste, add more if needed. Be aware of the fact that every chipotle seasoning might a bit different making this as a noticeable way to get the flavor without overpowering.

Garam Masala

Cumin is a key ingredient in this mix so if you are out of the said spice then use this as your substitute. It also contains pepper, cloves, coriander, and cinnamon. The overall flavor of this option is quite the same to that of the cumin.

Garam masala offers a complex, earthy and sweet flavor. You only need to use half as much garam masala as cumin to make sure that you don’t overpower the dish flavor. And take note not to be confused between curry powder and garam masala since they are two different spice blends.

Paprika

You might know the distinct flavor of paprika, so the smokiness of the smoked paprika could be an excellent substitute for the cumin smokiness too. If you want to have less spice in your dish, then this one is the right option to grab.

If you prefer the use of this spice, then substitute two parts smoked paprika to a part straight chili powder. The chili powder might add the touch of heat making up for the lack of cumin than the straight paprika only.

Taco Seasoning Mix

Taco seasoning might be another pre-mixed seasoning that has a lot of cumin. And so, it could be one of the best cumin substitutes ever particularly to a ground cumin. Most of the taco seasoning is made of chili pepper, onion, paprika, oregano and cumin of course.

There is just a need for you to measure out the amount needed and you are good to go. Be wary that taco seasoning could be very salty and very spicy. You have to reduce the salt added to the recipe to balance the salt level and ensure to buy a mild taco seasoning unless you want to achieve some serious kick to your dish.

Oregano and Coriander

Whether you believe this or you don’t, the use of oregano if you have no cumin is an excellent move in the kitchen. Oregano is associated with Mediterranean or Italian dishes once used straight, but it is actually present in most spice mixes used all over the world.

Once you lack cumin and you only have oregano, don’t doubt but use it! Remember, for every teaspoon of cumin you have to mix a teaspoon of oregano and a teaspoon of coriander too. Yes, you will need a coriander here. The blend of these spices would make a nice flavor replicating the flavor of cumin.

Final Thoughts

So, have you find the right replacement? See! Cumin substitutes are just out there, so you don’t need to worry that much of you don’t have one at all. Knowing that this spice is present in almost numbers of spice mixes, substituting it could be so easy.

Once cooking recipe that calls for a cumin and you don’t have one, don’t panic and check your cupboards and for sure you will find the best substitute. Just pick the one that best suits your recipe and enjoy the flavor that cumin could ever provide even through the use of a replacement!

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