How to Make Cumin Powder

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!

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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.

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 powder image

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.

cumin powder image

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

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.
roasting cumin seeds
  • 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 using 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. 
cumin powder using rolling pin

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.

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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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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.

how to store

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 recipe pin

How to Make Cumin Powder (Ground Cumin)

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!
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine N/A
Servings 500 gms

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

  1. For making roasted cumin powder, roast the cumin seeds for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Before storing the powder, sieve the cumin powder to achieve a finer, smoother texture.
     
Keyword Cumin Powder, DIY Recipe, How to Guide, How to Make Cumin Powder, Roasted Cumin Powder

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