Ras El Hanout

1. 1

   Heat a small skillet over moderate heat. When hot, add white peppercorns, aniseed, cumin seed, coriander, cloves, and allspice berries. Stir constantly until fragrant and oils are released (only a few minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool in a separate bowl.

2. 2

   Husk the cardamom pods, reserving the fragrant seeds. I love the flavor of cardamom, so I use more than what Paula Wolfert recommends above.

3. 3

   Remove seeds and veins from dried chipotles and break apart.

4. 4

   Break up nutmeg in a mortar and pestle.

5. 5

   Once peppercorns, aniseed, cumin seed, coriander, cloves, and allspice berries have cooled, combine with remaining ingredients in a spice grinder and grind all together until fine. A coffee grinder works well, but then you will not want to grind coffee in it anymore. Even Alton Brown believes in having a separate grinder dedicated to the grinding of spices.

6. 6

   Sift through a strainer to remove fibers from galangale, turmeric, ginger and any pieces that just do not grind.

7. 7

   Store in a glass jar under regrigeration.

8. 8

   A typical slather to make is to combine 1 Tbsp of this blend with 1 Tbsp of Spanish smoked paprika. Crush at least one large clove of garlic into a paste with Kosher salt. Combine with the paprika and Ras, then add olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Slather over chicken, lamb, or fish and roast until done.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.