Raghavan Iyer

Cumin (zeera/safed zeera) and black cumin (shahi zeera)

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top 1000660 Curries
660 Curries

By Raghavan Iyer

Published 2008

  • About
Native to the Mediterranean and upper Egypt, cumin is India’s favorite spice. Depending on how it gets used, it is capable of having eight distinct flavors, and sizzles, toasts, roasts, soaks, and grinds its way into numerous curries. Cumin is truly a national treasure.

Black cumin is called shahi (meaning “kingly”) zeera, pointing to its affiliation with Moghul India’s royal kitchens. Brownish black in color, the seeds are wispy-thin, and have a smoky aroma and a caraway-like undertone. For a more pronounced impact, try curries that include the spice blend Rajasthani garam masala.