Moroccan Recipes Using Ras El Hanout Spices

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Ras El Hanout Spices

Moroccan cuisine is famous for its aromatic and flavorful spices, and one of the most essential ingredients in Moroccan cuisine is Ras el Hanout. This spice blend typically contains over 20 different spices, including cumin, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, paprika, and turmeric, among others. The name Ras el Hanout translates to “top of the shop,” indicating the blend’s high-quality and unique mix of spices.

History of Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is a blend of Arab, Mediterranean, and Berber influences, making it one of the most diverse and flavorful cuisines in the world. Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold and exotic flavors, often combining sweet and savory flavors in the same dish.

Moroccan cuisine has been influenced by a long history of trade and cultural exchange, with spices and ingredients from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East finding their way into Moroccan kitchens over the centuries.

What is Ras el Hanout?

Ras el Hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that typically includes over 20 different spices, depending on the recipe and the spice shop. The blend often includes cumin, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, paprika, and turmeric, among others.

The blend’s name translates to “top of the shop,” indicating the blend’s high quality and unique mix of spices. Ras el Hanout is a versatile spice blend that can be used to flavor meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, and stews.

Health Benefits of Ras el Hanout Spices

Many of the spices found in Ras el Hanout have been associated with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Cumin, for example, has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation, while cinnamon has been linked to improved blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. Turmeric, another common spice in Ras el Hanout, has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved brain function.

Moroccan Recipes Using Ras el Hanout Spices

1. Ras el Hanout Chicken Tagine

Tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is slow-cooked in a special clay pot called a tagine. This recipe uses Ras el Hanout to flavor the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped sweet potato
• 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
4. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, chopped sweet potato, and Ras el Hanout to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pot. Cover and cook over low heat for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Serve the tagine hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

2. Ras el Hanout Spiced Roast Vegetables

This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. The Ras el Hanout adds a spicy and aromatic kick to the roasted vegetables, making them even more delicious.

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potato, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with Ras el Hanout, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the vegetables out on a large baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
5. Serve the roasted vegetables hot as a side dish or as a main dish over couscous.

3. Ras el Hanout Lamb Chops

This recipe is a great way to showcase the unique flavors of Ras el Hanout. The spice blend adds a fragrant and savory flavor to the lamb chops, making them a perfect addition to any dinner party or special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb chops
• 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the lamb chops with Ras el Hanout, salt, and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the lamb chops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Transfer the lamb chops to a baking dish and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked to your liking.
5. Serve the lamb chops hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

4. Ras el Hanout Couscous Salad

This recipe is a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional couscous. The addition of Ras el Hanout and fresh herbs adds a fragrant and delicious flavor to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the couscous, Ras el Hanout, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the boiling water overthe couscous and stir to combine. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all the water.

. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add the olive oil, chopped herbs, green onions, dried apricots, and toasted almonds. Toss to combine.

4. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the couscous salad at room temperature or chilled.

5. Ras el Hanout Spiced Meatballs

This recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The Ras el Hanout adds a spicy and aromatic kick to the meatballs, while the tomato sauce balances out the flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp Ras el Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Ras el Hanout, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands to combine.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon some of the tomato sauce over them. Cover and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Conclusion

Ras el Hanout is a versatile and delicious spice blend that adds a unique flavor to a variety of Moroccan dishes. Whether you prefer meat, vegetables, or grains, there’s a Ras el Hanout recipe that will suit your taste. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique dishes, and enjoy the fragrant and delicious flavors of Moroccan cuisine.

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