Cumin

Cumin can be used to season many dishes, either ground or as whole seeds, as it draws out their natural sweetnesses. It is traditionally added to chili, enchiladas, tacos, curries, and other Middle-Eastern, Indian, Cuban and Mexican-style foods. Cumin has also been used on meat in addition to other common seasonings. Contrary to popular belief in the US, the spice is not very common in Mexican cuisine. However, the spice is a familiar taste in Tex-Mex dishes. It is extensively used in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. Cumin was also used heavily in ancient Roman cuisine. Cumin is typically used in Mediterranean cooking from Spanish, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It helps to add an earthy and warming feeling to cooking making it a staple in certain stews and soups as well.