Cumin substitute: How to replace the spice

If you lack cumin for a recipe or are allergic to it, there is a replacement for the spice. Learn how to cook without cumin here.

Caraway seeds as a substitute for cumin

Cumin and caraway seeds are biological relatives and have a similar taste.

• Cumin is a common ingredient in Asian, Oriental and Indian cuisine. The spice also often finds a place in Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Uzbek cuisine.
• Replace cumin with caraway seeds, it is best to use only half the amount. If you add a pinch of anise, you will find the cumin taste even more precisely.

Ground coriander instead of cumin

Coriander and cumin are often used as a mixture.

• Alternatively, use just two and a half teaspoons of cilantro instead of two teaspoons of cumin.
• Replace cumin with ground cilantro, but at the end you lack the sharpness of the cumin. Help out with a pinch of chili powder.

Chili powder as a replacement for cumin

If you do not have any of the previously mentioned alternatives in the house, chili powder is a possible substitute for cumin.

• The finished chilli spice mixes that you can find in stores are ideal. In most cases, these mixtures contain cumin. Before you buy, have a look at the list of ingredients in the pack.
• Chili powder, however, is a lot sharper than cumin. For this reason, use only half the amount intended for the cumin.

Cumin is an integral part of Indian cuisine. In our next post, we'll look at Ayurveda at home. There we present the 7 best recipes for you to cook.