Ras El Hanout: Morocco's Top Shelf Spice

The Meaning Behind the Name

"Ras el hanout" translates from Arabic as "head of the shop." It refers to the best spice blend a Moroccan spice merchant (attar) has to offer — a signature mix that represents the vendor's expertise and reputation.

Traditional Composition

There is no single recipe. A traditional ras el hanout can contain anywhere from 20 to over 100 ingredients. Common components include:

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Black pepper
• Cayenne
• Fenugreek
• Dried rose petals
• Lavender

Culinary Uses

Ras el hanout is used in tagines, couscous, rice pilafs, and grilled meats. It's the key seasoning in mrouzia, a lamb dish served during Eid celebrations.

Historical Note

Some historical blends included Spanish fly (cantharides) as an aphrodisiac. This practice was banned in Morocco in the 1990s. Modern commercial blends are entirely food-safe.

Using at Home

Start with 1-2 teaspoons per pound of meat or per 2 cups of grain. Toast briefly in a dry pan to release aromatics before adding to your dish.

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