Cumin seed is a spice with a flavor profile a little like caraway or dill and is a staple of Indian cooking and curries. Generally, cumin seeds are best used whole and fried in oil at the beginning of a dish (the process called Taarka).

At a higher heat, cumin seeds will turn brown quickly, in 15 or so seconds. Make sure you don’t burn them, and when they start to pop, you know they're done. Ground cumin powder is also an essential spice used in India, and is one of the key ingredients in garam masala spice mix.