Life in the Middle East places in community gatherings with strong family ties, hospitality and large food spreads are deeply entrenched; Food is offered to please and make bonds and usually becomes the the central act. Middle Eastern cuisine is based on healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meat, beans and nuts flavored with aromatic spices and subtle flavors.
The cusine is defined by using herbs, spices and aromatics that the traders introduced to this region from India. Grilled meats on skewers over charcoal, long, slow simmering stews in unglazed covered pots are common in this region. Here is a sampling of spices and dishes that can be made in your own home easily with Ajika pre made spices.
Moroccan Spices
This dry rub, which uses spices commonly found in Moroccan cooking, is perfect on chicken or beef. This spice mix is used to prepare Moroccan stew, to serve over couscous. The flavor is warming with warm spices such as black pepper, cinnamon and ginger. It is not hot at all and full of aromatic ingredients that will draw the sweetness of root vegetables like carrot, sweet potatoes. The flavor it brings to stew dishes will delight your taste bud.
Za'atar the secret of Lebenese cuisine which is added to olive oil for a dip. Also added to fish and vegetables and rubed on breads and baked.
Dukkah
Dukkah is an Egyptian spice mixture used in Middle Eastern as a dip with olive oil for bread. Dukkah is a versatile seasoning which can be used to crust lamb, beef, shrimp, fish and chicken for grilling. Use as a rub for fish and cauliflower and then pan fry. Our favourite is Dukkah Custed Grilled Salmon. There is nothing better then to taste the combination of the oily fish with a nutty crunch. Definitely a must have in your kitchen pantry.
Baharat
Baharat means mixed spices in Arabic. Baharat is a combination of several different spices consisting of spices that are available.
Ras El Hanout
Ras Al Hanout is a popular blend of herbs and spices that is used across the Middle East and North Africa. The name means "head of the shop" in Arabic, and refers to a mixture of the best spices a seller has to offer. Ras el hanout is sometimes rubbed on meats, and stirred into couscous or rice. Definitely a must have to spice mix in any kitchen.
Kabsa Spice Blend
Shish Kabab Spices
Shish is a dish consist of meats threaded on skewers and grilled on charcoal BBQ. The Middle Eastern marinade with combination of the smoky charcoal aroma penetrates every fiber of the meats making this BBQ dish a big hit for every occasion.
Berbere is a spice mix originated from Ethiopia. It is an exotic spice mix which often include herb and spices that are less well known internationally from plants cultivated or grown wildly only in Ethiopia. Berbere is a must have in the kitchen pantry of spice lovers. They are so good in everything. Especially in Ethiopian style chicken stew. We call it the magic dust because it makes anything taste so good.
Harissa - Is a North African hot red spice mix which main ingredient is chili peppers and garlic. It is a standard ingredient of North African cuisine such as Morocco. Harissa is served at almost every meal as part of an appetizer. It is also used as an ingredient in a meat (goat or lamb) or fish stew with vegetables, and as a flavoring for couscous. Harissa paste mix can be used as a rub for meat making it so easy to use for that quick easy to prepare meal. Just coat and cook. Definitely a must have in your kitchen
(Shop our online store for Spices)
© Kavita Mehta
