After reading my blog for a while now I’m sure you’ve noticed I enjoy using all types of spices to cook with. The last thing I want is boring food to come from my kitchen, Whether sweet, salty, sour, or bitter not to mention unami (savory as they say) is what I want to experience when eating. Last month I recommended Harissa so Ras El Hanout – July Featured Ingredient is in the same family of spice blends. Several spices blended together to create one great blend with many uses.
Ras El Hanout – July Featured Ingredient
What is Ras El Hanout? The spice blend is found to contain as few as 10 spices up to 100. Most often, blends found locally include nutmeg, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, salt, cinnamon, sugar, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cardamom, allspice, and cloves. You may also find ras el hanout labeled as Moroccan curry spice. I personally think they taste different. Try it if you find it and you be the judge.
Ras El Hanout – July Featured Ingredient
Growing up our kitchen always smelled so good yet as I have delved into international cooking more I find the smells almost intoxicating. Sometimes I just stand and take a deep breath. So when you cook with spice blends like ras el hanout, harissa, and curry your nose will know. Such a lovely smell. You can make your own blend of ras el hanout if you’re so inclined and customize to your taste after several uses. However I prefer to buy my favorite from the The Spice House.
Ras El Hanout – July Featured Ingredient
Now let’s eat! First, ras el hanout is versatile and lends its flavors to most anything. Season rice and grains, couscous, rub on seafood, chicken, red meat, and lamb. Do you enjoy exotic flavors then I suggest adding to tagines, soups and stews.
When grilling use as a wet rub mixed with oil before adding to grilled foods. Either way is fine though. Don’t forget about vegetables and adding ras el hanout especially roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes and cauliflower if roasting. Delicious, eat yourself silly good. Garlic and lemon pair beautifully with ras el hanout. Mix in sour cream for a dip or make compound butter for steaks. Any way you choose, ras el hanout will be a new favorite for all your cooking needs. Enjoy!
Be First to Comment