Ras el Hanout, an Easy Moroccan Spice Mix Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Introduction
Ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that is used in a variety of dishes. The name translates to “top of the shop” and is made up of the best spices that a seller has to offer. The blend typically consists of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, as well as more exotic spices like saffron and rose petals. It is an essential ingredient in Moroccan cuisine, and it is also used in other North African and Middle Eastern dishes.
Ingredients
The ingredients for ras el hanout can vary depending on the recipe, but here are some common spices that are used:
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together all of the spices.
Store the spice blend in an airtight container.
Use the spice blend in your favorite Moroccan or North African recipes.
Tips
For a more authentic ras el hanout, try adding saffron threads, dried rose petals, or even ground lavender.
You can also adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste.
Try toasting the whole spices before grinding them for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition
Since ras el hanout is a blend of spices, it does not contain any significant amounts of vitamins or minerals. However, many of the individual spices in the blend have health benefits. For example, cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, while turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
Making your own ras el hanout is a great way to add flavor and complexity to your Moroccan and North African dishes. With just a few simple spices, you can create a blend that is unique and delicious. Plus, you can adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste and experiment with different combinations of spices to create your own signature blend.
