Cumin is an essential spice for Indian curries and chutneys. The spice also works well in a variety of rice dishes, stews, soups, breads, pickles, barbecue sauces, and chili con carne recipes. It is best to be conservative when cooking with cumin as its flavor can easily overtake a dish.
Cumin has the strength to stand up to grilled and roasted meat—try it in your next hamburger. But it’s also an excellent foil for mild, sweet vegetables like pumpkin and butternut squash.
They are also used as several herbal and ayurvedic medicines.