Ras el hanout facts for kids
Ras el hanout (say "rass el ha-NOOT") is a special mix of spices. It comes from countries in North Africa like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The name means "head of the shop" in Arabic. This means it's made from the very best spices a seller has!
What is Ras el Hanout?
Ras el hanout is a famous spice mix. It is used in many tasty dishes. People often rub it on meat or fish. You can also stir it into couscous, pasta, or rice. It adds a wonderful flavor to your food.
What's in the Mix?
There is no single recipe for Ras el hanout. Each shop, company, or family might have their own secret blend. A mix usually has more than a dozen different spices. They are used in different amounts.
Some common spices you might find are:
- cardamom
- cumin
- clove
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- allspice
- dry ginger
- chili peppers
- coriander seed
- peppercorn
- sweet and hot paprika
- fenugreek
- dry turmeric
Some spices are special to certain areas. These can include orris root, cubebs, or dried rosebud.
How is it Made?
The spices are often toasted first. Then, they are ground into a fine powder. This can be done using a mortar and pestle. Finally, all the different ground spices are mixed together.
Sometimes, salt or sugar might be added. However, this is not the usual way to make it. Things like garlic, saffron, nuts, or dry herbs are usually not part of the mix. These are often added separately to a dish. But some spice mixes sold in places like Europe or North America might include them.
