In this house this North African spice mix is called ‘top of the house’, although Wikipedia describes it as ‘top of the shop‘, either way it is traditional mix of best spices on offer in the shop or house.
There can in fact be up to 30 different spices included in the mix.
Some spices may be particular to the region, such as ash berries, chufa, grains of paradise, orris root, monk’s pepper, cubebs, or dried rosebud. (excerpt of explanation from Wikipedia)
I have to admit do not having heard of half of these 🙂
Ras el Hanout
Once the mix is made up it can be used as a rub on any meat – we particularly like it on lamb or goat – but it is equally nice on chicken.
Of course, the main thing about Ras-el-Hanout is that you can add your own twist to it, and make it your very own ‘top of the house’ mix.
Once you’ve made your mix it will last in an airtight container for 3 months.
Here’s Alfie’s recipe for Ras-el-Hanout:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground white pepper
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds (slightly ground)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
Mix them all together and use them liberally on whatever your fancy, be it a roast or on the bbq.
A Year In Redwood 
Exactly the kind of dish Ian enjoys crewting and we have all those spices in the cupboard. I’ll pass th recipe on to him 🙂
Argh, typo, think you know what I mean though! Wonder is it a man thing with all the mixing of spices and wonder why they enjoy it so much?
It is primeval and I suspect the ‘Flinstone’ factor comes into play too! 🙂
It’s a primeval thing like BBQing. It’s a man-thing 😉
Flinstone factor for sure 🙂
humph…Flintstone factor indeed..more like having a sensitive and delicate palate in order to savour the unique taste sensation of combining spices and cooking with what ones creates
yeah right!!!
Our friends make Ras-el-Hanout ice cream in their artisan ice cream shop. It’s amazing
I bet it is… would they share the recipe? 🙂
I think it’ll be in the book they publish next year! Funny enough, I’m trying shakshouka this evening, which also calls for ras al hanout
Shall look forward to it… it does seem a strange combination but then again I’ve had cardamon icecream which was delicious.
Never heard of this before. Very interesting. Perfect pic too, of course.
Thank you!