Ras El Hanout, meaning “head of the shop,” is an authentic Egyptian spice mix traditionally made from a varied selection of spices. This versatile mix is used not only in Egyptian cuisine but also across North African countries due to its bold, warm, and aromatic flavor profile. Each blend is unique, often a closely-guarded family or vendor secret.
The name “Ras El Hanout” reflects its significance – it’s the pinnacle of what the spice shop has to offer. This spice mix is perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes, adding a complex and vibrant touch. Enjoy the easy preparation of this flavorful mix and bring authentic Egyptian aromas into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 200 grams cinnamon sticks
- 200 grams dried dill
- 200 grams black peppercorns
- 200 grams dried sweet beans
- 200 grams dried turmeric
- 200 grams dried cumin seeds
Preparation
- Thoroughly clean and dry all the spices.
- Break cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces.
- In a dry skillet, toast the cinnamon pieces, dill, black peppercorns, sweet beans, turmeric, and cumin seeds separately until aromatic and lightly browned to enhance their flavor.
- Allow all spices to cool completely.
- Using a spice grinder, grind each of the toasted spices to a fine powder.
- Pass the ground spices through a fine sieve to ensure uniform texture.
- Combine all the ground spices in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Store the Ras El Hanout in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, ready to use in your favorite dishes.
Did you know?
Ras El Hanout is a spice blend known for its ability to elevate any dish, from simple vegetable tagines to more complex stews and soups. It’s often compared to Indian garam masala due to its complexity and versatility. Interestingly, the exact mix can vary greatly; some blends boast up to 30 different spices! Besides adding flavor, this spice mix offers health benefits thanks to ingredients like turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and cumin, which aids digestion. You can even find Ras El Hanout used in beauty treatments due to its antioxidant-rich components.
Prepare this spice blend in advance and enjoy its storage stability – a perfect addition to your vegetarian or vegan pantry essentials. Whether you’re new to Egyptian cuisine or a long-time enthusiast, this spice blend will bring a taste of tradition and warmth to your culinary adventures.
