Have you ever tried making cumin powder at home? Here’s an easy DIY guide on How to Make Cumin Powder at Home. Perfect for adding rich flavor to curries, stews, marinades, and more!
What is Cumin Powder?
Cumin powder, also known as Jeera Powder (Zeera Powder) in Hindi, is made by grinding cumin seeds which come from the flowering plant Cuminum cyminum, belonging to the parsley family.
These boat-shaped seeds bear a resemblance to caraway seeds but are slightly longer. Widely used and cultivated in India, the Middle East, Latin America, and North Africa to add flavor and aroma to various dishes.
Is Ground Cumin the same as Cumin Powder?
The terms ‘Ground cumin’ and ‘Cumin powder’, refer to the same thing that is the powdered form of cumin seeds and are used interchangeably. When cumin seeds are ground to form a fine powder, similar to other ground spices, it is referred to as “Ground Cumin” or “Cumin Powder.”
Cumin seeds vs Cumin powder
The dried cumin seeds have a subtle flavor and hard, crunchy texture whereas cumin powder has a fine, powdery consistency and a more intense aroma and flavor compared to whole seeds.
In various cuisines, cumin seeds are commonly used for tempering. They are added to hot oil or ghee (clarified butter) to temper curries, rice, stews, and stir-fries, releasing a distinctly warm, earthy aroma.
On the other hand, cumin powder is added directly to curries, marinades, spice rubs, soups, and stews to enhance the overall taste.
How to Make Cumin Powder at Home
The best thing about this DIY Guide is that it is pretty straightforward, quick, and easy to make. With a few simple steps, your organic cumin powder is ready to use!
You can make a big batch of grounded spice at home and store it. To get a finer consistency, you can sieve the powder before storing it. The best way to store it is in an air-tight jar or container, in a cool, dry place.
Here’s how to make cumin powder at home
Roast the Cumin Seeds
The only purpose of roasting the cumin seeds for a few minutes is that it becomes easier to grind it into a fine powder.
To roast the cumin seeds:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or girdle on medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds to the pan.
- Sauté the cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes or until you get a wonderful aroma. The seeds should be dark brown but not burnt.
- Transfer the roasted cumin seeds to a plate and let it cool down.
Using a Grinder
- Let the cumin seeds cool down.
- Transfer the cooled-down cumin into a grinder jar and blend until smooth (you can also use a mortar pestle or rolling pin if you prefer).
- Store the powder in an air-tight jar or container.
Cumin Powder without Grinder
For making cumin powder without a grinder, you would need the cumin seeds to be a bit warm. This would help it to break easily.
- If using a mortar and pestle, grind the seeds in small batches, using a circular motion, until they are finely ground into a powder.
- If using a rolling base and pin, add a small amount of roasted warm cumin seeds (warm not hot) to the mortar or rolling base. Gently apply pressure and roll the rolling pin over the seeds.
- While rolling, collect the seeds/powder back to the center of the rolling base to get evenly ground powder.
- Alternatively, you can place the seeds in a plastic bag. Crush them using a rolling pin until they are finely ground into a powder.
Roasted Cumin Powder (Bhuna Jeera)
To make roasted cumin powder, follow the same process but roast the seeds for longer. You need to roast the cumin seeds on low heat for 6-8 minutes.
While roasting, keep stirring occasionally until the color of the cumin changes to a dark brown.
Let the cumin seeds cool down before grinding them into a fine powder. Store the ground cumin in an airtight jar and use within 6-8 months for the best flavor.
This roasted ground cumin (bhuna jeera) would have a lot more intense flavor and aroma than regular ground cumin.
Benefits of Cumin Powder
Not only do cumin seeds add a whole lot of flavor to the dishes but also have many amazing benefits. Some of them are listed below:
- It aids in digestion and stomach ailments.
- It also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
- It is sometimes also used to treat the common cold.
- Considered good for the skin and boosts immunity.
- It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Cumin water (Jeera water) is commonly consumed during summer days as a refreshing cooling drink. It can also be infused with other ingredients such as mint, honey, or lemon to enhance its cooling properties.
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How to Use Cumin Powder
It can be used in a variety of recipes across cuisines. While whole cumin seeds and ground cumin might seem similar as they are made from the same spice, each of them has its own distinct flavor, aroma, and texture.
Sprinkle some over roasted or grilled vegetables, meat, or seafood, you can also use it in a spice rub before grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. It can be used in various marinades and spice blends. Also, you can sprinkle it on top of salads, dips, savory toast, snacks, etc.
It is a common spice powder used in several curries and other recipes from Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and North African Cuisine.
Recipes Calling for Cumin Powder
- Beetroot Yogurt Salad
- Green Moong Dal (Mung Bean Curry)
- Cilantro Mint Chutney
- Soya Keema (Vegan Mince Curry)
- Methi Dal
- Authentic Chana Masala Curry
- Akkha Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils)
- Begun Bhaja | Brinjal Fritters
- Aloo Palak
- Sweet Tamarind Chutney | Imli Chutney
- Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry)
FAQ’s
1. Is cumin powder gluten-free?
Yes, cumin powder is naturally gluten-free, as it comes from cumin seeds, which do not contain gluten.
2. What is black cumin powder?
Black cumin powder is made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. It is also known as Nigella sativa powder. It has a distinct dark color and is completely different from regular cumin seeds.
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How to Make Cumin Powder (Ground Cumin)
Equipment
- 1 pan
- 1 Rolling Base and Pin
- 1 Mortar & Pestle
- 1 grinder
Ingredients
- 2 cups cumin seeds
Instructions
- Heat a pan over low heat and dry roast the cumin seeds for 1-2 minute, stirring occasionally until the color of the cumin changes to a dark brown.2 cups cumin seeds
- Turn off the heat and transfer it to a plate.
- Let the cumin seeds cool down.
- Transfer the cooled-down cumin into a grinder jar and blend until smooth (you can also use a mortar pestle or rolling pin if you prefer).
Notes
- For making roasted cumin powder, roast the cumin seeds for 6-8 minutes.
- Before storing the powder, sieve the cumin powder to achieve a finer, smoother texture.
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