🕌 Ras-el-Hanout: The Soul of North African Cooking

Complex, warming, and subtly sweet, Ras-el-Hanout is more than just a spice blend — it's the essence of Moroccan culinary tradition. Translating to “head of the shop”, this artisanal blend represents the finest selection a spice merchant has to offer.

🌿 What’s in Ras-el-Hanout?

There’s no fixed recipe — each blend is unique — but common ingredients include:

• Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, clove

• Coriander, cumin, turmeric

• Allspice, paprika

• (Optional: dried rose petals or lavender for floral notes)

🎯 The flavour profile: Sweet, floral, spicy, and warmly aromatic — perfect for slow-cooked dishes and soulful stews.

🍲 Top Ways to Use Ras-el-Hanout

1️⃣ Moroccan Tagines

Infuse deep flavour into:

• Moroccan lamb tagine with apricots & almonds

• Chickpea tagine with courgette & saffron

• Chicken tagine with preserved lemon & olives

🔗 Try: [Ras-el-Hanout Tagine Recipes]

2️⃣ Roasted Vegetables

Toss into:

• Sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower

• Peppers, courgettes, aubergines

🔗 See: [Ras-el-Hanout Roasted Veg Recipe]

3️⃣ Couscous & Rice Dishes

Stir into:

• Couscous with herbs & raisins

• Rice pilaf with almonds and orange zest

🔗 Try: [Ras-el-Hanout Couscous & Pilaf Recipes]

4️⃣ Grilled Meats & Marinades

Great for:

• Moroccan grilled chicken

• Lamb kebabs or prawns

👉 Marinate with olive oil, lemon, and a touch of honey.

🔗 Recipe: Ras-el-Hanout Chicken Marinade

5️⃣ Stews & Traditional Sides

Use in:

• Moroccan stew with lentils or chickpeas

• Harira, North African lentil-tomato soup

🔗 Try: [Ras-el-Hanout Stew & Harira Recipes]

6️⃣ Creative Uses

Add a Moroccan twist to:

• Hummus or yoghurt dips

• Olive oil for dipping or tossing roasted nuts

🔗 Try: [Hummus with Ras-el-Hanout Recipe]

👨🍳 Cooking Tips

• ✅ Add early to simmered dishes to develop full aroma

• ✅ Pairs beautifully with dried fruit like dates, apricots, or figs

• ✅ Balance richness with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar

🛍️ Final Thoughts

Ras-el-Hanout is the signature of Moroccan cuisine — a blend of bold spices, delicate florals, and centuries of tradition. Whether you’re slow-cooking a tagine or spicing up roasted veg, this blend transforms simple dishes into unforgettable experiences.

🛒 Buy Ras-el-Hanout online from The Pinch — organic, premium quality blends with fast European delivery.
Discover the spice that brings North Africa home.