Today I was feeling in a particularly “Moroccan” mood (see post “Simple Saturday”) and used two different spice mixes both originating from there.
I buy most of my spices from a company called Steenbergs which is a family run company based in Yorkshire who blend all their own herbs and spices and this post will refer to their variation of these two classics (Ras al Hanut and Chermoula).
Do go and look for yourself, the whole website is a treat: www.steenbergs.co.uk
Ras al Hanut
I can not improve on Steenberg’s description of this “Top of the Shop” spice mix and here is their link to go and have a look www.steenbergs.co.uk/product/961/search
As you can see, this is one of the greatest spice mixtures of the world and if you have never worked with it you are missing something rather wonderful.
The ingredients in this particular mix are:
paprika ( pimenton ) , cumin powder , ginger spice powder , coriander seed powder , cassia powder , turmeric ( haldi ) powder , ground nutmeg powder , orris root powder , ground fennel powder , ground allspice powder ( pimento ), ground green cardamom seeds , whole dill seeds , galangal spice ( laos powder ), ground caraway seed powder , ground black cardamom seeds , chili powder ( hot chilli powder ), ground cloves powder , ground mace powder , ground cubeb pepper powder , rose petals , bay leaf powder ( laurel ), saffron
I use it for soups (as today), pasta sauces, winter warming casseroles and Tagines. It goes particularly well with tomatoes.
Chermoula
Chermoula is generally used as a rub and I use it on Baked Tofu or Roast Potatoes, Parsnips or Carrots. It also makes a good addition to Chickpea Burgers. It isn’t as spicy as Ras al Hanut and contains herbs which gives it a very pleasing sweetness.
organic ground cumin powder , organic paprika (pimenton), organic onion , organic turmeric , organic garlic , organic coriander herb (cilantro), sea salt (1%), organic cayenne pepper, organic ground black pepper powder
http://www.steenbergs.co.uk/product/254/chermoula-organic-spice-blend-moroccan//18
I would recommend both of these blends to you, they provide a different type of spiciness and flavour but show equally why Moroccan is one of the best cuisines in the world.
Thank you for reading
Carol
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Contented Hippy 