Cumin, the spice-rack staple, shines through in these Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Asian and South American dishes. Grind the seeds with chilli and coriander for a balanced hit of spice, or mix it with salt and sprinkle it over crisp-fried seafood. We like them best when they’re kept whole and toasted (like in the Middle Eastern yoghurt dip) for bursts of earthiness.

Eight-hour lamb shoulder with Israeli couscous and labne

Rick Shores’ slow roasted lamb shoulder with yellow bean, cumin and chilli

Grilled spatchcock with preserved lemon and cumin butter and spiced potatoes

Cauliflower salad with orange and cumin dressing, and buffalo yoghurt

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with pumpkin, carrots, cumin yoghurt and mint salsa

Fried whitebait with cumin salt and smoky mayonnaise

Clarence River school prawns with cumin salt and harissa

Cumin-roasted spatchcock with coriander and red onion salad

Yoghurt dip with sesame seeds, pepitas, cumin, caraway and mint
