Ras El Hanout Substitute

Unlocking a world of exotic flavours and enticing aromas, Ras El Hanout stands as an iconic spice blend originating from North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Known for its rich complexity and versatility, this mix of spices has become a staple in countless recipes. However, finding Ras El Hanout in every corner of the globe might prove challenging, so you may be wondering what the best Ras El Hanout substitute may be.

Whether you seek an alternative for this enigmatic blend or yearn to craft your own unique version, we'll delve into a plethora of possibilities, including alternatives like garam masala, baharat, allspice, and more. Additionally, we'll reveal a great recipe to create your very own Ras El Hanout blend, utilizing your well-stocked spice cabinet.

Jump to:

• What Exactly is Ras El Hanout
• Alternatives to Ras El Hanout
• Shop-Bought vs Homemade Ras El Hanout
• Making Your Own Spice Blend
• Recipe FAQs
• Recipes Using Ras el Hanout
• Ras El Hanout Spice Mix

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What Exactly is Ras El Hanout

Ras El Hanout is an aromatic spice blend originating from the culinary traditions of North Africa and the Middle East. Its name translates to "head of the shop" in Arabic, indicating that it's a premium, top-of-the-line spice mix curated by skilled spice merchants.

This rich and versatile blend typically includes a myriad of hand-selected spices. They include cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and many more. The exact composition of Ras El Hanout may vary from one spice merchant or region to another, making it a truly unique and treasured addition to any dish.

Ras El Hanout has become a beloved ingredient in various recipes. From traditional Moroccan tagines to couscous, rice dishes, roasted vegetables, and beyond, infusing each creation with the captivating essence of North African and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Alternatives to Ras El Hanout

If you are looking for a good ras el hanout substitute, you have a few options. Below, you will find a list of replacements for Ras El Hanout in order of their suitability and similarity in terms of flavours.

1. Homemade Ras El Hanout Spice Blend

If you have a well-stocked spice cabinet, which misses the Ras El Hanout Spice, you are in luck. This Moroccan spice blend can be easily put together using cumin, turmeric, allspice and other spices, typically found in many homecooks' cupboards. Jump to our recipe and make a great replacement for Ral El Hanout in minutes.

2. Garam Masala

"Garam" translates to "hot," while "masala" translates to "spices." As with many traditional spice blends, garam masala lacks a fixed standard recipe, allowing its flavour profile to vary according to individual cooks' preferences. Garam masala generally consists of fewer spices compared to ras el hanout, but it shares some common key ingredients. Typically, garam masala includes cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and peppercorns, yielding a harmonious blend of flavours that can effectively emulate those found in ras el hanout. Use garam masala as a direct substitute for ras el hanout, allowing its aromatic essence to enhance your culinary creations in a similar manner.

3. Baharat

Baharat, a beloved spice blend hailing from the Middle East, offers a delightful alternative to Ras El Hanout with its unique and aromatic character. The name "baharat" translates to "spices" in Arabic, and true to its name, it boasts a tantalizing medley of flavours that vary from region to region. While there is no fixed recipe, the blend commonly incorporates a harmonious combination of warm and earthy spices such as black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices lend baharat a slightly sweet, peppery, and subtly smoky profile, akin to the captivating notes found in Ras El Hanout.

The versatility of baharat makes it an excellent substitute, as its warm and inviting flavour can effortlessly enhance a wide array of dishes, ranging from meats, stews, and rice dishes to vegetables and even certain desserts. As a result, embracing baharat as a replacement for Ras El Hanout unlocks a world of Middle Eastern allure that is sure to delight the senses and elevate your culinary adventures to new heights.

4. Very Simple 4-Spice Mix

For a quick and simple replacement of ras el hanout, mix 4 types of ground spices: cumin, coriander, paprika and cinnamon. Use these ratios: 2 cumin : 2 coriander: 1 cinnamon : 1 paprika.

5. Curry Powder

When seeking a convenient and accessible substitute for Ras El Hanout, curry powder is a worthy contender. Whilst far from an exact replica, selecting a mild curry powder that leans lighter on turmeric can better mimic the nuanced flavours of Ras El Hanout. Curry powder typically comprises a blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, fenugreek, ginger, and cardamom, among others. This amalgamation creates a warm and aromatic profile reminiscent of some elements found in Ras El Hanout.

Shop-Bought vs Homemade Ras El Hanout

Whilst you can get Ras El Hanout in most supermarkets, it is just as easy to make your own with spices that you'd often find in your own cupboard. There are so many different variations of Ras El Hanout that it is difficult to find one 'authentic' recipe, so I would encourage experimenting with both quantities and different spices. For example, adding dried rose petals, saffron and/or cardamom.

Making Your Own Spice Blend

For simplicity, our recipe for Ras El Hanout uses only ground spices. You will need:

• cumin
• coriander
• cinnamon
• turmeric
• ginger
• allspice
• black pepper

Find the quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Just mix all the spices together well. You may need to sift them together if some of your spices are in clumps.

Store in a sealed jar or another type of airtight container. This homemade blend makes an excellent substitute for real el hanout.

Recipe FAQs

Recipes Using Ras el Hanout

Our homemade ras el hanout spice mix recipe sure comes in handy! That's because we love to cook with this beautiful Moroccan seasoning. Here's some inspiration on what you could be making for dinner:

• North African Spiced Chickpea & Feta Filo Pie
• Moroccan Couscous Salad
• Ras El Hanout Chicken with Tahini Drizzle
• Warm Moroccan Aubergine Salad With Feta