As our nation’s palate widens you may
have noticed a huge array of herb and spice blends that more traditional cooks
have no idea what to do with,
This week we will take a look at some
of them and then our recipes for the month with include them
The mixture usually consists of over
a dozen spices, in different proportions. Commonly used ingredients include
cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, dry ginger, chilli
peppers, coriander seed, peppercorn, sweet and hot paprika, fenugreek, and dry
turmeric. It gives pungent, warm flavour. The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg also
add sweet accents.
How can I use it?
Since it's a blend, it's convenient
to use in marinades, as a rub, as a seasoning in many dishes like stews and
tajines, and as a condiment since you only have to measure out one thing. And
many people add it to the breakfast dish Shakshuka
Is Ras el Hanout good for you?
The spices used in Ras el Hanout
contain health-boosting compounds like: Vitamins, Coriander is a great source
of vitamin C, a nutrient lacking in most other spices. Other vitamins found in Ras
el Hanout include niacin and thiamine from cardamom and vitamin A from cinnamon.
Harissa (pronounced ha-RISS-uh) is a
North African (possibly Moroccan) It's commonly made from roasted or dried
chilli peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices (usually coriander, cumin,
caraway, mint, and sometimes rose petals). It's an incredibly versatile
condiment. This can be found as either a paste or in a dried form
How can I use it?
For pretty much anything! Mix Harissa
with grains or couscous. One of the most popular ways to use Harissa is to
season a couscous with it. Use some for roasting vegetables. Rub it into your
meat for roasting
Is Harissa good for you?
Harissa contains capsaicin that can
reduce blood pressure. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that gives spice to chilli.
- Harissa consumption may reduce inflammations, an important trigger for heart
issues. - Peppers that are used for Harissa help relieve osteoarthritis,
rheumatism and also colds.
The sumac bush, native to the Middle
East, produces deep red berries, which are dried and ground into coarse powder.
Ground sumac is a versatile spice with a tangy lemony flavour, although more
balanced and less tart than lemon juice. A small sprinkle also adds a beautiful
pop of colour to any dish.
How can I use it?
It's used in everything from dry
rubs, marinades, and dressing. But its best use is sprinkled over food before
serving. It pairs well with vegetables, grilled lamb, chicken and fish.
Is sumac spice good for you?
Sumac is one of the most powerful
anti-inflammatory spices out there. It ranks high on the ORAC chart, which
means it's packed with antioxidants and has the ability to neutralize free
radicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and signs of aging. Sumac is
also a beneficial ingredient for those with type 2 diabetes
Za'atar as a prepared condiment is
generally made with ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination,
mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt, though other spices such as sumac
might also be added. Some varieties also include roasted flour.
The woodsy, herbal, citrusy spice
blend from the Middle East is lovely to eat; Za'atar is a harmony of herb,
sesame seed and sumac. It has a deep red colour and delightfully tart and
tannic taste.
How can I use it?
Za'atar makes an excellent spice blend
for flavouring roasted and sautéed veggies, breads and meats. Use it to flavour
chickpeas—simply heat olive oil in a pan, and once shimmering, add Za’atar,
cooked chickpeas, and salt.
Is Za’atar good for health?
These medical and food uses of thymol
and carvacrol essential oils support the enduring health heritage of Za’atar
herb in the Levant countries. It is believed that those health benefits include
helping immune system, mental focus, increased energy, digestion, and reducing
infection risks
Dukkah is an Egyptian dry mix of
roasted nuts, seeds and spices finely blended together. The exact ingredients
vary from recipe to recipe, though most have several items in common like
sesame, cumin and nuts. Bold flavour profile that can complement a wide range
of foods. The combined spices and nuts provide a tanginess and mild heat. In
addition, Dukkah has a pleasing crunchy texture because of the nuts it
contains.
How can I use it?
It can be used for truly anything,
from creating a crispy coating on fish to acting as magic seasoning dust for a
fried egg. Traditionally Dukkah is eaten by dipping fresh Egyptian bread first
into olive oil and then into the nut mixture, but it also serves as a versatile
seasoning in Egyptian cooking.
Is Dukkah good for you?
The zesty spice is also good for your
health, providing calcium, fibre, and magnesium via the sesame seeds, and
protein, essential fats, and antioxidants from the nuts.
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