
Cumin lends an earthy, slightly bitter flavor to Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American dishes. It is a component of chili seasoning powder, a blend of spices used in various dishes, and specifically chile con carne, or chili. Commercial chili seasoning powders vary in their ingredients and their proportions. You can substitute chili powder for cumin in a pinch.
Chili Powder
Pure chili powders consist only of ground chile peppers, but commercial chili seasoning powders are usually blends of spices and are commonly added to chili. The compositions vary, both in the specific spices and proportions. Common ingredients include chile peppers, oregano, cumin and garlic. Salt is also often added. More unusual ingredients are coriander, oregano, cloves and allspice.
Replacing Cumin with Chili Powder
You can substitute chili seasoning for cumin, but read the ingredients of your chili seasoning powder and consider the effect on the dish you are preparing. Some chili seasonings contain no cumin at all. Do not use pure chili powder, as this contains no cumin. Consider especially the amount of sodium in the product you are using. Bear in mind that the chili component may add heat.
Related Articles

What Is Chili Paste?

Ancho Chili Powder Vs. Chili Powder

Calories in a Cup of Turkey Chili
Homemade Chili Recipe From Scratch

Alkaline Diet & Protein Foods

How to Find a Salt Substitute Without ...

Can You Eat Chili Left Out Overnight?

How Many Calories in a Taco Bell Bean ...
How to Make Black Bean Sauce

How to Cook Stew in a Slow Cooker

Low-Potassium Salt Substitutes
Solutions for Too Much Heat in a ...

How to Freeze Cayenne Pepper

How to Cook a Strip Pepper Steak in the ...

How to Cook Luglug Cornstarch Noodles

How Many Calories Are in a Whopper With ...
What Is Accent Seasoning?

How to Convert Men's Clothing Sizes to ...

How to Roast Whole Flounder

Peruvian Cooking Spices
References
Writer Bio
Jim Dorsch has been a writer and editor since 1991. He has written for major newspapers, including "The Washington Post" and "Chicago Tribune," and is publisher and editor of "American Brewer" magazine. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in statistics from Purdue University.
Photo Credits
Visage/Stockbyte/Getty Images