Key facts
| Hindi name | Shahi jeera |
|---|---|
| Also called | Kala jeera |
| Flavour | Sweeter and more delicate than regular cumin. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Whole seeds |
| Stays fresh | Whole: 1 year · check your jars |
| Best substitute | Regular cumin or caraway. |
| Used in | 1 of our blend and 1 of our dish |
How to use it
Used in Mughlai biryanis, pulao and Kashmiri dishes.
- Fry briefly in ghee before adding rice.
Substitute
Regular cumin or caraway.
Storage
Keeps about a year.
Shahi jeera is a different plant from regular cumin, though they are related.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use black cumin
Blends with black cumin
Biryani masala
Hyderabad and Lucknow
A fragrant blend with more floral spices than garam masala: mace, nutmeg, star anise and rose.
Frequently asked questions
What is black cumin called in Hindi?
Shahi jeera. Also known as Kala jeera.
What can I use instead of black cumin?
Regular cumin or caraway.
How long does black cumin keep?
Keeps about a year.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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