Caffeine Free Cumin-Lime Herb Oil
This bright, aromatic herb oil is the kind of condiment that quietly transforms everything it touches — grilled vegetables, roasted fish, a simple bowl of beans, or even crusty bread. Warming whole cumin and coriander seeds in olive oil coaxes out their deep, earthy fragrance before the oil is strained clean and finished with lime zest, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and parsley. The result is layered and vibrant, with a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes and a citrusy lift that keeps things feeling fresh rather than heavy. Because every ingredient here is a whole food or a fresh herb, there is nothing hidden to second-guess — no extracts, no additives, just real flavors built from scratch. It comes together in well under half an hour and keeps in the fridge for a few days, making it an easy thing to prep ahead and reach for all week. A drizzle right before serving is all it takes to make an ordinary plate feel like something special.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp coriander seeds
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lime zest (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp scallion greens, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Lightly crush the cumin seeds and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle or the flat of a knife — just enough to crack them open, not grind them to powder.
- 2
Combine the olive oil, crushed cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until the spices begin to sizzle steadily and the oil smells fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely — the spices can darken quickly once they start sizzling.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!