Ras el Hanout: Morocco's Most Famous Spice Blend Decoded

By Lisa Chang · May 26, 2026

Head of the Shop

Ras el hanout means 'head of the shop' — the best blend a spice merchant offers. Every Moroccan vendor has their own recipe, some with 20-30 spices.

Core Ingredients

Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, white pepper, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and cayenne form the foundation.

Unusual Additions

Premium blends include dried rosebuds, long pepper, grains of paradise, and lavender. Exotic additions distinguish premium blends from basic ones.

Homemade Recipe

2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp each cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, 1/2 tsp each allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, 1/4 tsp each cloves, cayenne, white pepper. Toast whole spices first.

How to Use

Essential in tagines (lamb with prunes), couscous, and pastilla. Use 1-2 tsp per pound of meat. Also works in roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and grilled chicken rubs.