What to Use Instead of Cumin – The 7 Best Substitutes

There are many cumin alternatives to use, just what to use instead of cumin for a recipe or dish will depend on the dish that you are making. To get the exact flavor for your dish, there are different substitutes or even a combination to create the perfect flavor you’re looking for.

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• What is Cumin?
• What to Use Instead of Cumin
• 1. Coriander
• 2. Caraway Seeds
• 3. Chili Powder
• 4. Curry Powder
• 5. Garam Masala
• 6. Paprika
• 7. Taco Seasoning
• Cumin Alternatives

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What is Cumin?

Cumin (jeera in Hindi)  is the seed of the cumin plant and can be bought as either whole seeds or ground into a powder. It is very aromatic, has a nutty flavor enabling it to be used in many dishes, such as Indian curries, and chilis, and even in soups and casseroles to add a warm and earthy flavor.

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What to Use Instead of Cumin

So, if you have found halfway through a recipe that you’re out of cumin, simply use one of the following substitutes to replace it. Find the best cumin replacement for your dish.

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1. Coriander

Coriander is very similar to cumin because coriander and cumin are similar herbs. If you would like to spice up your dish, start by substituting coriander for cumin and add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Coriander seeds are the ground seeds of Cilantro, a plant related to parsley. Ground coriander seed has a mild lemony flavor.

Coriander Conclusion

As an additional member of the parsley family, coriander is a great option. Use half a tablespoon for 1 tablespoon of cumin and add a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper to bring in a bit of heat.

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2. Caraway Seeds

Caraway Seeds are a great substitute for cumin. They also look and taste like cumin because they’re both from the parsley family. It is milder than cumin, which is stronger and hotter than caraway.

Always use caraway seeds to substitute cumin seeds, and ground caraway to replace ground caraway. Use 1/2 tablespoon for 1 tablespoon of cumin, and add more as required for taste.

Caraway Seeds Conclusion

Caraway and Cumin are both from the same parsley family. They are similar in appearance and taste, cumin is stronger and hotter than caraway. Use 1/2 tablespoon for 1 tablespoon of cumin, gradually add more if required.

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3. Chili Powder

Cream cheese is a lot thicker and denser than creme fraiche but not as tangy, but you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to remedy this. Because it has a high-fat content it won’t separate and curdle.

Cream Cheese in Soups and Sauces

Because Cream Cheese has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess.

Cream Cheese in Baking Recipes

Cream cheese is great for baking, just think cheesecake. But it can be used in so much more, from cakes and pies to cookies, candies, and ice cream.

Cream Cheese Conclusion

A great substitute for creme fraiche, just add a squeeze of lemon if you want it tangier. Can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling, and is perfect in cakes and baked goods.

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4. Curry Powder

Heavy cream is great in soups and sauces for thickening and adding a creamy texture. The cream has a high-fat content and won’t curdle, use in soups and sauces and bakied products.

Heavy Cream in Soups and Sauces

Because heavy cream has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess.

Heavy Cream in Baking Recipes

Heavy Cream is great for baking, just think cheesecake. But it can be used in so much more, from cakes and cookies to ice cream. Adding richness to any baked product

Heavy Cream Conclusion

A great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

You can also whip your cream to use as a substitute for creme fraiche, which allows you to have the thickness and consistency you require. Add sugar for more sweetness if needed.

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5. Garam Masala

Coconut cream is a great substitute for creme fraiche and is perfect for a vegan-friendly option. It has a high-fat content so it will give you a similar consistency and won’t separate or curdle. It does have a strong flavor so will not suit all recipes.

Coconut Cream in Soups and Sauces

Coconut cream is great for soups and sauces and because it has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. It will have a coconut taste so may not be ideal for all dishes.

Coconut Cream in Baking Recipes

It can be used in baked goods and cakes in the same way as the recipe calls for the use of creme fraiche.

Coconut Cream Conclusion

Coconut cream is different from coconut milk. It is a great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

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6. Paprika

Mascarpone is Italian-style cream cheese. It is milder and sweeter than creme fraiche and not as tangy, and often used in Italian desserts. It has a high fat content and a similar consistency to creme fraiche. You can add a squeeze of lemon or plain yogurt if you want it tangier.

Mascarpone in Soups and Sauces

Mascarpone can be used in soups and sauces as it has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess. It is great in pasta sauces too.

Mascarpone in Baking Recipes

Mascarpone is perfect for baked goods and cakes. It is slightly sweeter than creme fraiche and can be used in baked goods and cakes in the same way as the recipe calls for the use of creme fraiche.

Mascarpone Conclusion

Mascarpone is a great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

It is sweeter than creme fraiche so add a squeeze of lemon or plain yogurt if you want it tangier.

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7. Taco Seasoning

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About Cumin Alternatives

If you don’t have any to hand, don’t worry! as there are plenty of alternatives that can be used to produce your favorite dishes.

So, if you’ve found that perfect recipe that sounds delicious, and then you discovered that it calls for cumin. Oh no! you can’t find any! well, don’t think that you have to find another recipe. Simply try one of these substitutes.

Due to how many ways cumin can be used in cooking, the substitute you choose to use will depend on the recipe. One substitute may work better than another depending on the use. Be sure to find the best option for your recipe! Try these delicious recipes using cumin BAKED CHICKEN FAJITAS or ONE POT CHILLI MAC AND CHEESE.

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Try Some of These Recipes and Sprinkle Them With Cumin…

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