Ras el Hanout is a North African / Moroccan spice blend containing a plethora (typically 12) of different spices. Most often this seasoning blend is used in savory dishes; rubbed on meat or fish and to season rice and couscous dishes.
One of my most favorite sections in my cookbook is the chapter on kitchen basics.
It’s the largest chapter in the book with 46 recipes (!!!) and most of which are used in recipes throughout the book. 🙂
Along with the dual-purpose dressinades, homemade broths and condensed soups and other must-make, from scratch kitchen basics, I keep a blue sticky note on pages 36-40 for the seasoning blends. Spice blends, like my all-purpose seasoning (think Lawry’s), taco, fajita and Italian seasoning blends (to name a few) are the ones I go through the most and find myself making ALL THE TIME.
To this day, I’m still very passionate about making my own spice blends. I mean, how else am I going to use up the 80+ (<—hoarder tendencies!) spices I have in my kitchen? So..
What Is Ras el Hanout?
Ras el Hanout is a North African / Moroccan spice blend containing a plethora (typically 12) of different spices. Most often this seasoning blend is used in savory dishes; rubbed on meat or fish and to season rice and couscous dishes. (Thanks Wikipedia!)
Purists may want to turn their heads because I only have 10 spices represented. But paprika and turmeric (I’d say a teaspoon of each) could round it out to make it an even 12 spices. Naturally I ran out of these making a different spice blend… so typical.
Update: Since photographing this recipe, I picked up paprika and turmeric and added it to this spice blend before using it in a upcoming recipe.
To Make Ras el Hanout You Will Need:
- cumin
- ginger
- fine sea salt
- ground black pepper
- cinnamon
- coriander
- allspice
- cayenne pepper
- clove
- *optional spices* 1 teaspoon (smoked or regular) paprika 1 teaspoon turmeric
What Are The Best Spices For Making Your Own Seasonings and Spice Blends?
There’s no right or wrong brand. I will first say, buy what you can afford. However, not all spices are created equal as you tend to get what you pay for. Currently I use Morton & Bassett (not sponsored) because I find their spices to be top notch in texture, color and flavor. I love and respect what their company stands for not only with charitable work but also quality control. With that said some other wonderful brands I’ve used over the years are Simple Organic, Frontier Co-op and Penzys.
To make Ras el Hanout, start by measuring 2 teaspoons both of ground cumin and ginger. Then add in 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt and then 1 -1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper.
Next, measure out 1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, coriander and allspice (and the turmeric and paprika if using).
Lastly, measure and add 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne (more or less to taste) and then 1/2 teaspoon ground clove.
Stir together until combined.
Finally, store in a container that has a tight-fitting lid and store in a dry, dark place for up to 6 months. Or until you make this.
For More Homemade Spice Blends Click Here!
Enjoy! And if you give this recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Ras el Hanout (Moroccan Spice Blend)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
Equipment
- Bernardin Mason Jars - 250 mL - Wide
Instructions
- Measure and combine all spices in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store in a dry, dark place for up to 6 months.
Recipe adapted from Epicurious.
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the name is an intersting story
RAS EL HANUT means head of the store (RAS=Head, El=The, Hanut=Store)
its the blend merchents used to put in the very entrnce to the store so its fine smell will pull customers in.
if you liked this you may allso want to try:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baharat
There are different varieties, like curry powders. I was in Morocco in February and the one I came home with leans to the warm, sweet spices, but definitely does not have cumin, cayenne or turmeric. I used it in a zucchini bread that was pretty tasty, but would not have been with those spices added!
Would I be able to use chili powder instead of cayenne and get a similar result? I am allergic to cayenne and have yet to find a recipe for this that does not contain it, but I need the spice blend for a recipe that I am trying to make.