If you love to explore different cuisines and flavors, you might have come across ras-el-hanout. This spice mix originated in North Africa and is widely used in Moroccan dishes. But what is it exactly, and how can you use it in your own cooking?
Here’s everything you need to know about this versatile and aromatic spice blend.
What does the word Ras El Hanout mean?
Ras-el-hanout is Arabic for “head of the shop”, meaning “top shelf”. It literally implies that they’re the best spices the shop or spice merchant has to offer.
It is a complex and distinctive mix of about 20 to 27 spices and herbs, the quantities of which vary according to the maker. Some of the common ingredients are cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and rose petals .
What is it used for?
Ras-el-hanout is used to season a number of savoury dishes, like tagines, meats, vegetables and stews. It adds a rich, warm and slightly sweet flavor to any dish, as well as a beautiful color and aroma.
Where can you buy this spice mix?
You can find ras-el-hanout in some specialty stores or online, or you can make your own at home by mixing the spices you have in your pantry. There is no definitive recipe for ras-el-hanout, so you can adjust the proportions and ingredients to suit your taste and preference.
You can experiment with different ways of using ras-el-hanout in your cooking, such as rubbing it on chicken or lamb before roasting, sprinkling it on roasted vegetables or couscous, adding it to soups or sauces, or even using it in desserts like cakes or cookies.
Ras-el-hanout is a spice mix that can elevate any dish with its complex and delicious flavor. If you have not grown up with spices in the kitchen, you may find it a bit weird at first. But believe me when I say, spices convinced my many friends to eat and enjoy vegetagles that they had NEVER eaten before. Even my father, who is a life-long ‘carnivore’, enjoys various vegetable dishes at my house.
If you want to learn more about ras-el-hanout and how to use it in your cooking, check out these links:
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ras_el_hanout
: https://www.tilda.com/blog/ingredient-guide/a-guide-to-ras-el-hanout/
: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/ras-el-hanout/vs4hzhs5a
: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ras-el-hanout-spice-mix
: https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-ras-el-hanout-simplified-version-2394676
Check out our recommended tagine pots to cook your creation in HERE.