Ras El Hanout Spice Blend Moroccan typically includes a mix of warm spices with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- gourmetvanillaspic
- Jan 5
- 3 min read

Ras El Hanout is a popular North African spice blend that is used widely in Moroccan and other North African cuisines. The name "Ras El Hanout" translates to "Head of the Shop" in Arabic, implying that it is the best spice blend a shop has to offer.
Contains a blend of Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Allspice, Nutmeg, Cloves, Black pepper, Paprika, Cayenne pepper.
What does Ras El Hanout Taste Like?
This complex, aromatic spice blend offers a unique, distinctive flavor profile. The exact taste can vary depending on the specific blend and portions of spices used, but here's a general idea of what Ras El Hanout tastes like: A warm, spicy flavor with a bit of heat. Some versions may include spices like cloves or cayenne pepper, which can add a slightly bitter or pungent kick to the blend.
HOW DO I USE RAS EL HANOUT IN COOKING?
Ras El Hanout can be used to season meats, flavor stews and tagines, season vegetables, flavor rice and grains, season soups and sauces, flavor seafood, and enhance dips and spreads. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
SEASONING MEATS
Lamb, Chicken, and Beef: Rub Ras El Hanout onto meats before grilling, roasting, or braising to add rich, aromatic flavor. Marinate lamb chops with olive oil, Ras El Hanout, garlic, and lemon juice for a flavorful grilled dish.
FLAVORING STEWS AND TAGINES
Add Ras El Hanout to Moroccan-style stews, tagines, and soups to enhance their flavor and aroma. Make a Moroccan chickpea and vegetable tagine with tomatoes, onions, carrots, and Ras El Hanout for a heart and flavorful meal.
SEASONING VEGETABLES
Sprinkle Ras El Hanout over roasted or sautéed vegetables for a flavorful, aromatic side dish. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and Ras El Hanout, then roast until golden and crispy for a delicious vegetable dish.
FLAVORING RICE AND GRAINS
Add Ras El Hanout to rice dishes, couscous, and other grains to infuse them with rich, aromatic flavor. Prepare Moroccan-style couscous with Ras El Hanout for a flavorful, satisfying dish.
SEASONING SOUPS AND SAUCES
Stir Ras El Hanout into soup, sauces, and marinades to add depth and complexity to the dish.
SEASONING SEAFOOD
Use Ras El Hanout as a seasoning for grilled or pan-seared fish and seafood dishes. Marinate shrimp or fish fillets with olive oil, Ras El Hanout, garlic, and lemon zest, then grill or pan-sear until cooked through for a flavorful seafood dish.
FLAVORING DIPS AND SPREADS
Mix Ras El Hanout into yogurt, hummus, and other dips and spreads for a unique and exotic flavor. Prepare a spiced yogurt dip with Ras El Hanout, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to serve with vegetables, crackers, or grilled meats.
TIPS
Start with a small amount. Ras El Hanout is a potent spice blend, so start with a small amount and add more to your liking if needed, without overpowering the dish.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPICES USED IN RAS EL HANOUT
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is really good at fighting inflammation and has antioxidant properties.
Ginger is great for reducing inflammation and might even help with pain relief.
Cumin has antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. It can also help your body produce digestive enzymes and might reduce indigestion.
Coriander contains antioxidants, which are suitable for your health.
Ginger has been used for ages to support digestion and ease tummy troubles. It has gingerol, which can boost your immune system.
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and make your body more sensitive to insulin. It can help reduce the bad cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
Cardamom contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and support heart health.
Cloves have properties that can fight off bacteria and fungi. It's been used to ease pain for a long time.
Black pepper contains piperine, which can help fight germs. It contains antioxidants, which support your immune system.
Saffron is known to lift your mood and might help with mild to moderate depression.
With all these benefits and the excellent flavor profile, it's worth trying soon.






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