I first came across the name of this spice blend in a quiz posted by PinkPolkaDot. As I like to make all my own spice blends I gave this a go. According to my cooking Moroccan each spice shop has its own ras el hanout which translates to ‘shopkeepers choice’ or ‘top of the shop’. This mixture may contain as few as 10 or as many as 26 different ground spices, depending on the whim of the shopkeeper. This recipe is a simplified version.
Click on the links for conversions and notes.
Ras El Hanout
Ingredients
- 22.5 mls ground nutmeg (or 2 freshly grated nutmeg)
- 15 mls ground cinnamon
- 15 mls ground coriander
- 10 mls ground allspice
- 10 mls ground cardamom
- 10 mls freshly ground black pepper
- 10 mls ground cumin
- 10 mls ground ginger
- 10 mls turmeric
- 5 mls fenugreek seeds
- 5 mls dried rosemary
- 2.5 mls cayenne pepper
- 2.5 mls ground cloves
- 1.25 mls lavender petals
- 3 small rosebuds
- 1 star anise
Method
- Place all of the ingredients into a dry frying pan
- Place onto the stove over a low temperature and leave until you can smell the spices
- Put the star anise into a spice grinder and grind until fine
- Place everything into a mortar and pestle and gently crush to combine
- Store in an airtight container and use as needed
Notes
Do not be intimidated by the ingredient list. Most of these spices are standard pantry items. And if you do not have something, just leave it out. I often do not have ground cloves at home but it is easy to make your own using whole cloves. Just be sure to toast the cloves before you grind them. And make sure you use a spice grinder that is not used for coffee! Otherwise your coffee will be tainted. If you do not like spicy blends then leave the cayenne pepper out. And if you prefer your food on the hotter scale, then add more.
Must remember to bring you the Annie Hawes book about Morocco when I come in Feb!
sounds great 🙂 thanks xox
Was wondering what ra el hanout was in your lamb recipe. Now I know thanks!
my pleasure – and I know, I still have to look in my fridge to see which wine I used 🙂
Sounds heavenly!
🙂 Mandy
it is a lovely spice blend to cook with 🙂