Moroccan Recipe Using Spice Blend

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Moroccan Spice Blend

Moroccan cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices that create a unique fusion of taste. Amongst the many Moroccan spice blends, Ras El Hanout is one of the most popular and versatile blends used in Moroccan cuisine. In this article, we will explore the world of Moroccan spices, specifically the Ras El Hanout blend, and how it can be used to make a mouth-watering Moroccan dish.

What is Ras El Hanout?

Ras El Hanout is a traditional Moroccan spice blend that translates to “head of the shop” in Arabic. This blend is made up of a combination of up to 30 different spices that can include cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, among others. Ras El Hanout is typically sold in markets and spice shops in Morocco, and each shopkeeper creates their own unique blend. This makes Ras El Hanout a unique and versatile blend that varies in taste and composition depending on where it is purchased.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Ras El Hanout

One of the most popular Moroccan dishes that use Ras El Hanout is the Chicken Tagine. Tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is slow-cooked in a clay pot, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor. To make a delicious Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Ras El Hanout, follow the steps below:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of Ras El Hanout
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the Ras El Hanout, paprika, cumin, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them with the spice mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large tagine or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides.
6. Add the chopped carrots and chicken stock, then cover and let the chicken simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Add the drained chickpeas and lemon slices, and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot with couscous or rice.

Other Recipes Using Ras El Hanout

Besides Chicken Tagine, Ras El Hanout can be used in a variety of dishes, including meat, fish, and vegetable-based recipes. Here are a few recipes that you can try at home:

1. Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce

• 1 pound of ground lamb
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons of Ras El Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
3. In a large skillet, heat

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
5. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, and cilantro.
6. Serve the meatballs with the yogurt sauce on top.

2. Moroccan Spiced Fish

• 4 fish fillets
• 2 teaspoons of Ras El Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Season the fish fillets with Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the fish fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the fish to a baking dish and top with lemon slices.
6. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Roasted Moroccan Vegetables

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, diced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of Ras El Hanout
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the diced eggplant, zucchinis, sliced red pepper, and onion.
3. Add Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper and mix well.
4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until tender and golden.

Conclusion

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its flavorful and aromatic spices, and Ras El Hanout is one of the most versatile spice blends used in Moroccan cooking. From Chicken Tagine to Spiced Lamb Meatballs and Roasted Moroccan Vegetables, the possibilities are endless with Ras El Hanout. By incorporating this unique blend into your cooking, you can add a touch of Morocco to your dishes and elevate your meals to the next level.

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