Ras el Hanout
A rich, layered North African spice blend that brings together dozens of spices found in a single spice shop. Widely used in couscous, lamb, and chicken dishes; every vendor has their own recipe.
What Is Ras el Hanout?
Ras el hanout, meaning "head of the shop" in Arabic, is a rich spice blend specific to Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian cuisines. Its name traditionally comes from the idea of bringing together the best spices a spice merchant has on hand.
It can contain many spices such as cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, red pepper, coriander seed, and black pepper; some regional versions also include rarer ingredients like rosebuds, grains of paradise, orris root, and galangal. Each merchant or family has its own unique formula.
Nutritional Value of Ras el Hanout
Since ras el hanout is a blend of dozens of different spices that varies from merchant to merchant, it does not have a single, definitive nutritional value table; this section has been deliberately left blank due to the lack of a reliable common public source. The amount used in a recipe already makes no measurable contribution to daily nutrition.
What Are the Benefits of Ras el Hanout?
Spices in the blend like ginger and black pepper are known to be used in traditional medicine to support digestion; these traditional uses do not constitute a scientific health claim.
This information is general; ras el hanout is a spice blend, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How Do You Choose Ras el Hanout?
Quality ras el hanout should give off an intense, layered scent, with the traces of many different spices sensed within it; cheaper versions generally give a less varied and one-dimensional taste.
- It is recommended to buy from a reliable spice merchant, preferably one who prepares their own blend.
- Sensing sweet, warm, and slightly sharp notes together when smelled is a sign of quality.
- Freshly ground product offers a much livelier aroma compared to packages that have sat on shelves for a long time.
How Do You Store Ras el Hanout?
It can be stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 6 months to 1 year.
Using Ras el Hanout in Cooking
Ras el hanout can be rubbed onto meats as a dry marinade, or added directly to grain-based dishes like couscous and pilaf.
How Is Ras el Hanout Used with Lamb?
Lamb leg or ribs are rubbed with olive oil and ras el hanout blend, left to rest for a few hours, then slow-cooked in the oven or a pot; the spice forms a caramelized crust on the meat.
Using Ras el Hanout in Couscous
A small amount of ras el hanout, dried fruit, and almonds are mixed into cooked couscous to prepare an aromatic Moroccan-style garnish.
Which Recipes Use Ras el Hanout?
It is used in Moroccan-style tajine (stew), lamb couscous, chicken marinade, and some soup recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name ras el hanout mean?
It means "head of the shop" in Arabic; traditionally it refers to a blend created by bringing together the best and most special spices a merchant has on hand.
How many spices are in ras el hanout?
There is no fixed number; some traditional blends are made with fewer than ten spices, while others can contain twenty to thirty different spices and dried flowers.
Is ras el hanout spicy?
It generally has a warm and complex aroma profile rather than a sharp heat; sweetness, warmth, and depth are balanced together, though some versions may also contain dried chili pepper.
Where is ras el hanout used?
It is frequently used in Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian cuisines in couscous, tajine (stew), lamb, and chicken marinades.
What can be substituted if ras el hanout isn't available?
An approximate version can be prepared at home by mixing cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and black pepper; although not an exact equivalent, it gives a similar warmth.