1

I strongly dislike cumin. Now that I accidentally bought bread that contains it, I wondered if there are any ways to mask the taste.

This question is meant to find out general ways to mask cumin, in dishes hot and cold. I'm aware that the options might be heavily limited in cold dishes, so the main focus presumably lies on hot meals.

Please note that while the cumin-contaminated bread was my incentive to write this question, answers should not focus on it too much. A general approach for hot (and cold) dishes is sought for.


The only existing question concerning cumin was "How do I save curry with too much cumin?", which has two answers related to indian cuisine. Since these are only concerned with curry, this question looking for a general approach is not a duplicate.

1 Answer 1

5

You'll never mask it completely, so the aim is mainly to dilute it to an acceptable level. If you can't stand even the faintest hint, I suggest you give the bread to someone who will enjoy it while it's still fresh (or freeze it to turn into croutons for someone who will enjoy them; they'd go nicely with some winter soups).

What masking you will get is mostly from spice, especially heat (as suggested at the "curry" question linked above).

For bread specifically: I would crumb it, then mix those crumbs with with plain breadcrumbs, and probably some cayenne pepper, black pepper and herbs, to use as a coating (e.g. for chicken pieces) or topping (I make a sort of bean stew out of an old vegetarian recipe book, with a crumb and cheese crust on top).

You can also add cheese, especially if using as a topping. You might be doing this for some time, as you'll probably need at least 5:1 dilution even with additional flavour, so mix up small quantities. You can freeze breadcrumbs so this doesn't have to be done quickly.

3
  • 1
    I see where you're going but I disagree with this @ChrisH, if the poster makes breadcrumbs with it then a disliked flavor will then be coating a large amount of food, better to just ditch the bread as you first suggest rather than risk making an entire dish unpalatable (to the poster, I like cumin).
    – GdD
    Oct 22, 2018 at 14:05
  • 1
    @GdD it all depends whether they dislike a strong cumin flavour, or a detectable one, but that's why I put the suggestions in the order I did.Certainly I can't imagine disliking it, and if I was anywhere near the OP I'd like to taste cumin bread (next time I make bread...?)
    – Chris H
    Oct 22, 2018 at 14:09
  • It's been awhile since I made cumin bread @ChrisH, I think I toasted seeds in some oil, then added a bit of powder for a few seconds, then mixed the whole thing into the dough. Came out well.
    – GdD
    Oct 22, 2018 at 14:20

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.