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Our Recipes

Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Sometimes, the recipe will be without measurements, rather only ingredients. Sometimes, we will try to include suggested amounts to accomplish the desired flavour profile. But we must be clear that those measurements aren't meant to be taken too seriously (except in the case of vinaigrettes, classical sauces, or desserts). Please feel free to drop us a line as we will enjoy reading your feedback should you decide to try them, so please do not hesitate to let me know. Click on the links on the right to view the recipes.

RAS EL HANOUT (A SPICE BLEND)
Ras El Hanout is a complex, aromatic Moroccan spice blend. Most recipes include cardamom, nutmeg, anise, mace, cinnamon, ginger, various peppers, and turmeric, but 30 or more ingredients might be used. Typically prepared by grinding together whole spices, dried roots and leaves, this recipe keeps things simple by using mostly spices. Ras El Hanout's literal translation from Arabic is “head of the shop," implying that it's "the best (or top) of the shop." While some Moroccans use it in daily cooking, others reserve it for specialty dishes.
INGREDIENTS

2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp cayenne or other dried chili powder
1 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 tsp whole fennel seeds
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground anise seeds
2 tsp ground mace
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground coriander seeds
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1 tsp kosher salt

PROCEDURE

Toast all the ingredients in a large dry pan on low-medium heat until you can detect the fragrance. Blend all of the spices in a spice (I use a dedicated coffee) grinder. Transfer to a glass jar, and store in a dry, dark place. Use Ras El Hanout to season tagines, stews, meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, or even zaalouk. It keeps well for several months.

Hari's Recipes