Ras El Hanout Recipe: 5 Ways to Use Ras El Hanout

Ras el hanout is a spice blend used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Recipes for ras el hanout—which translates to “head of the shop” or “top shelf” in Arabic, indicating that it features the best of the spice shop—vary from blend to blend. Still, most mixes include black pepper, cardamom, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg.

In Tunisia, ras el hanout tastes milder and almost always includes dried rose petals; Moroccan ras el hanout often has more kick.

While the flavors of ras el hanout may vary slightly depending on the spices used, this complex spice mix generally has a bold, warm, earthy flavor with both bitter and sweet notes. This contrast of flavors results in a unique tasting experience.

There are endless ways to make this versatile spice blend work in the kitchen. Look to the classics of Moroccan cuisine for inspiration, and then branch out on your own.

1. 1. B’Stilla: B’stilla is a complex savory-and-sweet pie from Morocco. Traditionally featuring young pigeons, the dish now incorporates layers of ras el hanout–seasoned chicken and crispy phyllo dough.
2. 2. Grilled and roasted meats and seafood: Use ras el hanout as part of a flavorful spice rub or marinade for just about any type of meat or seafood before grilling or roasting.
3. 3. Tagines: Tagines are Moroccan slow-cooked savory stews made in pyramidal earthenware vessels, also known as tagines. (Learn how to use a Moroccan tagine.) Mrouzia, a lamb tagine flavored with raisins and honey, is one famous way to use ras el hanout; some people even refer to ras el hanout as “mrouzia spice.” Serve tagine with couscous to sop up the flavorful sauce.
4. 4. Meatballs: Use ras el hanout to flavor ground lamb or beef and make your own North African meatballs.
5. 5. Vegetables: Toss fresh vegetables with olive oil and ras el hanout before roasting or grilling for a uniquely flavorful vegetable dish.

If you don’t have ras el hanout on hand, you can make your own “top shelf” spice blend, which will yield better results than replacing it with a different premade spice mix. Simply gather as many classic ras el hanout spices as you have in your pantry and blend them to make a custom mix.