Hey everyone, today we’ll be making a spice blend called Was el Hanout, which originates from Morocco. I initially made this because I couldn’t find anything like it at a spice shop around me, and boy am I glad I did because I don’t think this would have tasted like anything I would have gotten from the grocery. After reading about it, I learned that Was el Hanout literally translates to head of the shop, so with that in mind I customized this blend with some spices I had around and things I use in my style of cooking to add my own unique twist to this amazing spice blend. I also discovered that this blend can have up to 100 different spices in in depending on what shop and whom you get it from. Once made, you can add a teaspoon or two of this blend to various other dishes to give them some depth and warming characteristics. Come along as we make our very own Ras el Hanout!
Ingredients:
3-4 bay leaves
6 cardamom pods
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp dill seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp all spice
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 spoked paprika
1/2 tsp Hungarian paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp Himalayan Salt
1/2 tsp Saffron threads
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
Blend all ingredients together with Mortar & Pestle. Store in airtight container for up to 6 months!