Cumin Powder

Cumin Powder

Cumin Powder
This spice native to the Nile valley gives a distinctive warm flavor to a range of savory dishes in India, North Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, and America. The smell of cumin is strong and heavy and bitter in character. Cumin is essential in mixtures such as garam masala and panch phoron.
Description
If you choose to use dried garbanzo beans, first soak them in water overnight. The next day, bring 5 cups of water to a boil and add the garbanzo beans. Cover and simmer on low heat for about an hour. Drain the beans and put them in a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients: garlic, cumin, salt, lemon juice, tahini paste and half of the water. Don't add all the water at once; add it slowly, as you might use less than 1⁄4 of a cup to reach the desired consistency. Blend until fairly smooth.