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How to make Cumin Powder?

A must have ingredient of every pantry, Cumin is a key ingredient in many curry and spice blends. Learn about cumin seeds and cumin powder, along with how to make roasted cumin powder at home in just 10 minutes.

Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Indian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cumin seeds (Jeera)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium heat and add the cumin seeds.
  2. Sauté the cumin seeds for some time till you get a wonderful aroma and see the seeds turning dark brown.
  3. Then transfer the cumin seeds to a plate. 
Making Cumin Powder without a grinder
  1. This method works well for small quantities. You want the cumin seeds to be a bit warm so they break easily.
  2. Place a small amount of roasted cumin seeds on a rolling base (chakla).
  3. Roll the rolling pin over the seeds while gently applying pressure.
  4. As the seeds ground, you will need to collect the seeds/powder back to the center of rolling base.
  5. Keep rolling till you get a coarse powder.
Making Cumin Powder using a grinder
  1. Once the cumin seeds cool down to room temperature, transfer to a grinder to make a coarse or fine powder. You can also use a spice grinder.
Storing
  1. After the powder cools, transfer the cumin powder to an airtight container to lock in the aroma and flavor. This will stay good stored in a cool dry place for up to 2-3 months.

Notes

  • Tips to make perfect roasted cumin powder:
  • Cumin Powder: If you are making ground cumin powder minus the roasting part, then you can just blitz in a grinder. However don’t forget to grind in small batches as it starts losing its flavor after a month or so.
  • Always roast the cumin seeds on medium heat, otherwise, the seeds burn easily.
  • Keep stirring continuously so that all the seeds are evenly roasted.
  • Grind the seeds only after they have cooled down completely if you are using a grinder. This avoids the moisture setting in and won’t make the powder go bad.
  • Store in a cool and dry place in an air-tight container to preserve the taste.