Five African and Middle Eastern Spice Blends to Know and Love
Za’atar spices might be one of the oldest spice blends globally — they’ve been widely used in the Middle East since biblical times!
Za’atar is now common in the Levantine region, from Northern Africa to the far East. Still, what this condiment brings to the table is familiar and inviting flavours. Cooking with Za’atar spice is not only easy but delighting.
How to Cook with Za’atar Spices?
Spread over pita drizzled with olive oil, season meats and vegetables with it or sprinkle over hummus.
Berbere is a brightly coloured spice blend and a synonym for Ethiopian cooking. Earthy and savoury but with a sweet scent, Berbere spice can turn stews and roasts into memorable meals fit for special occasions.
The secret is in the skilled combination of chilli, fenugreek, cloves, allspice, ajwain, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. For well-rounded and versatile spice blends, Berbere spices have no equal.
How to Cook with Berbere Spices?
Make Doro wat chicken stew, spiced chicken breasts, rub on flatbread or toss with cabbage and potatoes for a beautiful vegetarian stew.
If you’ve tried food from Tunisia, Algeria or Morocco, you already know Ras el Hanout spices; the exquisite combination of herbs, spices and aromatics gives these cuisines their exotic yet comforting feel.
Turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, rose petals, cayenne, chilli flakes, paprika, nutmeg, cardamom and clove give this unique spice blend its characteristic taste. The combination makes the blend compatible with a wide variety of recipes.
How to Cook with Ras El Hanout Spices?
Use this intense spice blend in lamb tagines, date stews, pumpkin soups, couscous, chicken stews and hot pots.
Harissa is a spice pepper paste native to the Maghreb region. Harissa means “to pound” in Arabic, and it’s because all its elements are ground until finely incorporated. Cooks in Algeria, Tunes, Morocco and Israel make good use of the intense condiment, and now you can too.
Cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic, chilli flakes, chilli powder, caraway and oregano lend their personalities to become one. This is one condiment to change the way you see Maghreb food forever!
How to Cook with Harissa Spice?
Marinate and braise chicken with Harissa, roast carrots tossed in the spice, make spicy hummus, grill shrimp or make harissa compound butter.
Flavours come to life in Northwest African kitchens thanks to Merguez, a balanced combination of aromatic and spicy condiments, giving a wide variety of food a distinctive taste that has earned a place in all our hearts.
Paprika, fennel seed, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cayenne are the leading ingredients in this popular condiment. This is a gift from Algeria to the world.
How to Cook with Merguez Spice?
Rub ribs with Merguez, season mutton and beef sausages, and add to hearty stews, broths and soups.
Elevate Your Cooking with Spice Blends
There’s no doubt African and Middle Eastern spices can turn any weeknight dinner into a memorable occasion. It’s not about the spices, but your food’s personality — that’s where spices help. Cook with lesser-known spice blends; step out of your comfort zone!
We see bright and exciting meals coming out of your kitchen in the near future. Besides, cooking with spices is fun; we could say it’s artistic! Let the spice blends above take your cooking to the next level.
