Substitute for cumin seeds

[paulgardner]

Is cumin powder a reasonable substitute for a recipe that calls for crushed cumin seeds?

[jlafler]

Yep, it's fine. I agree that you probably want to use a little less of the ground than you would of whole seeds. Also, if the recipe calls for you to toast the seeds in a dry pan, with ground cumin I would either skip that step or heat the cumin in a little oil for a few seconds.

[paulj]

Yes
Certainly freshly toasted and crushed seeds have a stronger flavor and aroma, but the ground is the next best thing.

I sometimes use fennel seeds in place of cumin seeds.

[paulgardner]

Thank you all, the powder is going in pork burgers and I will just use a bit less than if I was using the crushed seeds.

[nemo]

Yes, certainly reasonable. Depending on what you're making, you may want to use less powder than the amount of seeds called for.

[kmr]

Should be just fine, but you may need to adjust amounts....I'd start with less powder than the recipe calls for.