Egyptian Spices & Seasonings

Egyptian Spices & Seasonings

Egyptian cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, thanks to a variety of traditional spices and seasonings. Key ingredients include cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom, which add depth to both savory and sweet dishes. Dukkah, a nut and spice blend, is a staple in Egyptian households, often sprinkled on bread or used as a dip. Another essential is baharat, a warm spice mix used in stews and meats. These flavorful seasonings reflect Egypt’s rich culinary history and the influence of trade routes that brought exotic spices to the region.

1. Dukkah (Egyptian Nut & Spice Blend)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts (or almonds)
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

 

Instructions:

  1. Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan until golden, then set aside to cool.
  2. In the same pan, toast the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds until fragrant.
  3. Grind everything together in a food processor or mortar and pestle until coarsely ground.
  4. Store in an airtight jar and sprinkle over bread, salads, or grilled meats.

 

2. Baharat (Egyptian Seven Spice Mix)

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp ground cloves

 

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the spices together in a bowl.
  2. Store in an airtight container and use for seasoning meats, stews, and rice dishes.

 

3. Hawaij (Egyptian-Yemeni Spice Blend)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cloves

 

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Store in an airtight container and use in soups, stews, and grilled meats.

 

4. Felfel Eswed (Egyptian Black Pepper Blend)

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

 

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
  2. Use it as a general seasoning for meats, vegetables, and soups.

 

5. Koshary Spice Mix

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

 

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Use it to season Koshari, lentil soups, and rice dishes.

 

Enjoy making your own Egyptian spice blends! 🌿🧂🔥