DESCRIPTION -
Cumin seeds form an important part of various spice blends such as Panch Phoron (from Bengal), Garam masala and Sambhar Masala (used in its powder form) etc. They are fried in hot oil before adding other ingredients when making curries or dry vegetables.
Cumin has a strong, fresh aroma. It can be dry-roasted in a hot pan, cooled, ground into a powder, and stored in an airtight container. This fresh powder is added to making yogurt or raita, and drinks like panna (usually with golgappas) and lemonade.

PREPARATION AND USE –

• It is used in Indian curries and many other recipes as well.

One of the famous recipes as follows:
Jeera Rice Recipe:
Try this quick and easy recipe for Jeera (cumin) rice. It's deliciously aromatic and goes well with any main dish.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients -
- A glass of rice, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 3 of green cardamom, 2 of black cardamom, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1-1.5 teaspoons of salt, 3 glasses of water, a pinch of yellow food coloring, 1 tablespoon of butter or 2 tablespoons of oil (optional) and 1-2 green chilies
Method -

1. Soak Basmati rice for 30 minutes in cold water.
2. Boil water in a pot with cumin, vinegar, salt, and green and black cardamom.
3. Pour the soaked rice into boiling water and let it cook for 10 minutes uncovered.
4. Remove the rice from the stove and drain all the water.
5. If necessary, brush the rice with butter and sprinkle with food coloring.
6. Return the rice to the stove, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
7. When ready, fluff the rice with a spoon or fork, sprinkle the chilies on top, and serve hot.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS –

• Contains antioxidants. Cumin seeds contain natural substances that function as antioxidants.
• It has anticancer properties.
• It can help treat diarrhea.
• Helps control blood sugar.
• Fights bacteria and parasites.
• It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• It can help reduce cholesterol.
• Helps in weight loss.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – per 100g

• Energy (Kcal) - 375Kcal
• Protein - 18 g
• Fat - 22g
• Of which saturated - 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates - 44g
• Of which sugar - 2.3 g
• Dietary fiber - 11 g