Cumin is a nutty, lemony spice that is extensively used in a variety of cuisines and recipes, including Indian curries, chili, and guacamole, among many others. It is a flowering plant belonging to the Apiaceae family that is indigenous to the Irano-Turanian region. In many cultures’ cuisines, the seeds of this plant – each of which is enclosed inside a dried fruit – are utilized in whole or powdered form, depending on the recipe.

Fortunately, if you’re halfway through preparing your favorite dish and discover you’ve run out of this delicious spice, there are several acceptable substitutes you may use instead. When you run out of cumin, here are some excellent alternatives you can depend on to make a delicious meal.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is an excellent cumin substitute since it often includes cumin as one of its main components. Bear in mind that the chili powder will provide other tastes to the mix, which may also include paprika, garlic powder, oregano, powdered cayenne pepper, and onion powder.

This substitution works well when preparing baked beans, but may clash with the tastes present in other recipes, such as Indian curries. Because chili powder contains paprika and cayenne pepper, it may also give a more crimson color to your meal. Chili powder is a spice mix that often contains cumin. Use half the quantity of cumin specified in the recipe as a replacement. Consider the extra tastes and color that chili powder will provide.

Caraway Seeds

When cumin and caraway seeds are laid side by side, their rectangular form and mustardy-brown color are very similar. This makes botanical sense since they are relatives. Caraway, like cumin, is a member of the parsley family (2Trusted Source). Caraway seeds and ground caraway are both prominent in German cuisine. While caraway is milder than cumin, it is a great alternative.

A decent rule of thumb is to swap caraway seeds for cumin seeds and ground caraway for ground cumin. Substitute half as much caraway for the cumin. Then, gradually increase the amount to taste.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds, being a member of the parsley family, are also an excellent substitute for cumin. Fennel seeds provide an anise-like, licorice taste that cumin lacks. While it may lack the same smokiness and earthiness, fennel seeds will not taste out of place in a pinch.

Use ground fennel in place of cumin, and fennel seeds in place of cumin seeds. Keep in mind that you can always crush fennel seeds for a few seconds in a coffee grinder or food processor. As with the other spice substitutions mentioned here, begin with approximately half the quantity of cumin called for in the recipe. Then, add the spice pinches one at a time, tasting as you go. If you’re missing the smokey taste, you may also add a pinch of paprika to your meal.

Paprika

It has the smoky flavor of cumin, although it has less heat than that spice. Paprika, which is well-known for its bright red color, can likewise provide a crimson hue to your meal when substituted for paprika. For a milder version of cumin, start by using half of the quantity recommended in the recipe; if you still want some heat, add some cayenne or pepper to the mix.

Garam Masala

Garam masala is a complex spice and herb mix that is often found in the cuisines of India, Mauritius, and South Africa. It is similar in appearance to curry powder. Because it includes cumin, it may be used as a replacement for cumin. Garam masala is usually added towards the conclusion of the cooking process, providing a warm, lemony, and welcoming fragrance to the meal while it is still hot.

As with many other spices, you may replace garam masala for cumin in a dish by beginning with half the quantity asked for in the recipe and adjusting to your preference after that. To get the maximum flavor out of the garam masala, add it later in the cooking process.

Coriander

Cumin and coriander are both derived from parsley, or Apiaceae, plants. Both are used in Latin, Arab, and Indian cuisines to season meals. Cilantro refers to fresh coriander stems and leaves. Its dried seeds are crushed into a powder and used in cooking. Both coriander and cumin provide citrus, earthy taste to foods – but coriander has a gentler heat profile. To make a coriander substitution, add half the quantity of coriander to your meal. Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper if desired.

Curry Powder

Cumin is frequently included in curry powder mixes, making them an excellent replacement for the spice. This spice blend, like the other spice mixes listed above, adds additional tastes to the mix.  Curry powders are made up of a variety of ingredients. In addition to cumin, they usually include around twenty ground herbs and spices (ground ginger, cardamom, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper, and cinnamon).

Together, these spices provide a warm, aromatic mix with a rich golden hue that is both fragrant and flavorful.  Curry is a great alternative in Southeast Asian meals because of its mild flavor. Please remember that turmeric will give your meal a vibrant yellow hue, which will make your cuisine stand out from the crowd.

Taco Seasoning

Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cumin are all included in this spice mix, which has all of the characteristics of chili powder. Additionally, taco seasoning includes salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes that have been crushed. Expect this replacement to bring a more nuanced mix of tastes to the table than cumin alone, as well as a little bit more heat to the table. It’s also important to remember that different taco seasoning mixes include various levels of salt.

As a result, taco seasoning should be added to your dish before salt or higher-sodium condiments such as Worcestershire sauce, if possible. This will assist you to prevent over-salting your meal in the future. After that, taste and adjust as needed.

In a Nutshell

Cumin is a fragrant, earthy spice that imparts zesty flavors to recipes. If you’re in a hurry, there are many excellent substitutes that you may already have in your cupboard. Curry and chili powders already include cumin, as do caraway seeds and coriander. When you run out of cumin, you can be certain that your dish will still taste great with these creative substitutions.