Recipe: Ras El Hanout (Your Salt-Free Ticket to Flavor)
This version of the classic North African spice blend combines warming ingredients like cloves and cinnamon with other tantalizing flavors such as cayenne and ginger to create the “wow-factor” you’re looking for without the salt. Use it to top anything from chickpea tagines to roasted vegetables or even popcorn! Makes about 1/4 cup.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1-1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons crushed coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
Whisk together all ingredients until combined. Spice blend will keep in sealed container for up to 6 months.
If you have access to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, consider toasting then grinding as many of the spices as you can from whole seeds, as that will contribute to a more robust flavor.