I probably say this a lot and it's true -- I love trying out new cuisines and exploring new flavors. When the world has so much to offer, why stick to just one kind of food? I am always on the hunt, looking for something new to try and thankfully, my husband also enjoys the journey. Having said that, as much open minded as we are towards food, we are not all that adventurous to try out something bizarre. Bottom line -- it has to smell good, sound good or at the most, look good.
While reading Ana Sortun's Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, I learned about a spice mix called Dukkah (say Dooh-kah), which can also be spelled as Duqqa or Dukka. My Indian friends might automatically relate to the word 'suffering' or 'stress' because that's what it means in Hindi (kind of). Trust me, it's nowhere even close to anything sad.
It has a robust flavor, looks rustic, tastes nutty and can bring immense joy to your belly. This crumbly spice mix is mostly used as a bread dip with olive oil.
Dukkah - The famous Egyptian spice blend has way too many versions than one can even imagine. With nuts and whole spice seeds as the key ingredients, various doors of possibilities automatically open up making it very versatile. If you are allergic to one kind of nut, you can pick the one that you can eat. Even if you don't have the spices mentioned out here, improvise and pick something else which might have a fairly close flavor.
For now, I am happy with this combination and will let my creative-hat rest for a while.
I used this spice in a lot of different dishes. To mention a few -- lentil soup, fish cakes, sprinkled it on fish before pan-frying it, added it on roasted vegetables, salad, yogurt sauce (raita)...
But first, let's get some bread, a good quality extra virgin olive oil and enjoy it the authentic way -- as a dip!
My advice, do not make it in a huge batch. It looses its flavor eventually. The reason why I always prefer making spice mixes at home is because it remains fresh and is always more flavorful.
Making Dukkah would take hardly 10 minutes. So, make it in small batches and store in a cool, dark place for no more than a month.
Dukkah – Middle Eastern Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds (blanched and skin removed)
- ¼ cup coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated pepper
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons coconut flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
blanch the almonds
- Pour the almonds in a bowl and cover it with hot water.
- Let it stand for 1 minute, drain the hot water and rinse under cold water.
- Pat dry and peel off the skin.
make the spice
- Once the almonds are blanched, layer them in a tissue paper and let it dry completely before you grind them.
- Dry roast the spices (coriander, cumin and fennel) separately and then using a coffee blender or a mixer, grind them to a rough dust.
- Dry roasts the sesame seeds and keep them aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ground spices, ground almonds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, freshly grated pepper and salt.
- Store it in an airtight jar, like any other spice mix.
Notes
2. I prefer not to roast the coconut flakes but you could always roast them.
Nutrition
wokandspoon
I never knew that almond skin was bitter. I love making spices myself as well love the aroma. I just want to rub your dukkah on a piece of fish 🙂
lisaiscooking
I agree, food has to smell, sound, or look good before I want to try it--but then I do try to be adventurous. I love the idea of sprinkling some dukkah on lentil soup!
Sihi
How beautiful! The pics is making my mouth water.
Best,
Sihi
Charles
Hi Kankana, I love the sound of this - I've never heard of Dukkah before, and used as a bread dip with olive oil? Oh, yes please! This sounds like my sort of thing, and not too difficult to make either - you make it look delicious, absolutely wonderful photos!
ATasteOfMadness
Your photos are gorgeous!
I'm very intrigued by this mix. I love coconut, so this looks like something I would add to everything! Yum!
CJ at Food Stories
Thx for connecting with me on foodbuzz. I just subscribed to your blog feed and can't wait to see what your next post will be!
Jennifer (Delicieux)
Gorgeous photos, as always Kankana. I love dukkah, which lately I've used in soups. I also love your addition of coconut. I wouldn't have thought to try that.
dassana
gorgeous photos kankana. when i make dukkah i always make in small amount as well. i got to know about dukkah from an australian friend. it seems it is very popular in australia. the next time i will add some coconut too 🙂
nipponnin
How interesting! I never heard of dukkah before but I'm glad I'm not only one. Always fantastic looking photos!
beena
wow...i love this...must try this dip sometime soon...fantastic pics!
Lisa H.
Fantastic looking Dukkah...
Yes , I love having them with EVOO and bread too.
Anamika@madcooking
Surprisingly I never heard of this before, loved the unique blend of spices & nuts specially almonds in it. Shall go by your advice and make it in small batch to start with :).
Sneh | Cook Republic
a lovely little recipe!
rebecca
wow what a cool spice blend with the almonds and coconut very nice, thanks for the congrats on 1000th post
mjskit
What a fabulous spice blend! I've never had anything like it. Definitely love the idea of using it with bread and a good olive oil! Thanks for sharing so a unique spice mix!
Elizabeth
I love that this spice mix has almonds! YUM!
Debjani
Wise little blend of spices and nuts! Something I would love to read up on. Middle Eastern food is quite intriguing to say the least and this recipe is a good showcase.
Your props always catch my eye. They are just 'so right' and you are so very clever with them.
Liren
I love dukkah, just like this, with bread dipped in olive oil, quite heavenly! Would you believe that my first taste of dukkah was actually at a restaurant in Maui? How unlikely - though your version with coconut would have made plenty of sense there! I can't wait to try it this way!
Eha
Love dukkah, especially with bread and olive oil. Normally have to admit to buying, but yours is quite unusual with the coconut, so shall definitely try! Thank you!
katerina
Hi dear! I'm so glad to stummbled on your blog! I really like your posts [recipes and photographies]-- Congratulations!
Count me as your newest follower 🙂
Kisses from Greece.
xxxFiC.
http://www.fashionicook.blogspot.com