With a pinch of cumin, you can say goodbye to bland dishes. This incredible spice has the depth your meals have been missing! Grilled chicken, authentic dishes, sauces, and even cheesy casseroles all taste better with a hint of cumin. It’s just one of those spices you need in your life! I’ve compiled the 10 best cumin recipes anyone can easily whip up in their kitchen. Whether you’re new to cumin or need some inspiration, you’ll love these dishes. Hit the spice cabinet and let’s dig in!
1. 15-Minute Chipotle Cumin Grilled Chicken
Bored with your chicken dinners? Add some excitement back into your protein with this 15 minute meal. The chipotle seasoning and squeeze of lime enrich tender chicken breast with a whirl of flavor. While conjuring up your own spice mix can sound daunting, it’s really not. For this chipotle, all you need are the right ratios of cumin, garlic, onion, salt, and of course, ground chipotle. It’s very savory and a tad smoky. Cook this on the grill and serve it up any way you like. Grilled corn, potatoes, or even a bed of white rice pair well.
2. Blackened Chicken
Another enticing way to season chicken is with a coating of homemade blackened seasoning. This dry rub gives the boneless chicken breast a crust that is full of smoky, and spicy flavor. It calls for cayenne, onion powder, thyme, and more. Forget the cumin and it all falls flat. There are so many different things you can do with this chicken that I can’t even count. One of my favorites is tacos, but I also love how it turns a simple green salad into a satiating meal.
3. Dal (Indian Lentil Curry)
Skip the takeout and make Indian curry at home instead. Dal is a classic that’s rife with spice and affordable. Add a touch of cumin here and some turmeric there with a handful of curry leaves and garam masala. Although it calls for green cayenne chilies, this dish is mild on the heat. Instead, it lets the balance of spices do all the talking. For an additional layer of flavor, add the tadka. It involves cooking cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and chilis in a spoonful of ghee to intensify the aroma and flavor. Grab the flatbread because you’ll want to use it to sop up every last bit of curry.
4. Vegan Burrito
Cumin spice is a simple solution to making Southwestern-style vegan burritos even more alluring. You’ll use that and some other spices along with lime juice to season black beans and corn. For a complete protein, stuff some white rice inside, too. With the black beans, this duo has the essential amino acids you need for your plant-based diet. Of course, no burrito is complete without some additional fillings. Guacamole and salsa are flawless go-tos. You can also opt for some vegan cheese and vegan sour cream.
5. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
For brunch, potluck, or a family dinner, this Mexican casserole is an easy way to sneak some veggies into a meal. There are bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, and onions, along with some rice and black beans for more substance. You’ll smother it all with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Add the three C’s (cumin, cayenne, and chili powder) for the perfect seasoning.
6. Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)
Mujadara is a popular Middle Eastern dish that features lentils and rice. And it’s absolutely mind-blowing how a dash of cumin transforms these two earthy ingredients! Spices take this humble pair and add a warming, savory flavor. But it doesn’t end at the spices because there are some add-ons that make this dish pop. You’ll love the sweetness of the caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and cooling Greek yogurt. And you know what else you’ll love? It’s a one-pot meal!
7. Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is one of those comforting, gratifying meals that you’ll want to curl up with on a cold day. Juicy chicken is swimming in a spiced creamy sauce that’s rich and well-balanced. Tomato paste adds a bold flavor and heavy cream gives it a velvety texture. And like all Indian cuisine, it packs a punch of spice! Don’t go too heavy on the cumin because there’s garam masala in this, too.
8. Middle Eastern-style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Looking to do something a little different with your kabobs? These Middle Eastern-style skewers are a tantalizing treat. The marinade of this chicken is beyond enticing. It’s a creamy, lemony mix with spices like cumin and paprika. Skewer the juicy chicken, then toss it on the grill. You’ll know it’s ready when you get some gorgeous char marks. For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate while you’re busy going about your day.
9. Black Bean Burger
Why bother with subpar frozen veggie patties when you can make a mouthwatering black bean burger from scratch? The trick to creating the ultimate burger is finding the right spice blend. And this one is hard to beat! It’s got cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic just to name a few. Add a handful of breadcrumbs for binding and feta for bite. Keep in mind Worcestershire is not traditionally vegetarian. So you might want to leave it out if it goes against your diet.
10. 20-Minute Mole Sauce
Mole sauce isn’t just about chocolate, it’s about cumin, too. It’s a combination of earthy, rich, and sweet ingredients that pair well with enchiladas, chicken, and more. While this 20 minute sauce isn’t completely authentic, this Mexican delight only takes 20 minutes. And it’s irresistible! It uses unsweetened cocoa powder, so it’s not cloyingly sweet. You can also adjust the spice level so everyone can enjoy it. Whether you’re looking to try something new or need a tasty sauce, you’ll want to slather this mole on everything! Click on a star to rate it!
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