Ras El Hanout

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Literally translated as “head of shop,” the Arabic phrase ras el hanout really means “top shelf.” Legend has it this Moroccan spice blend was created by North African spice dealers who would mix together the best of what they had on offer, thus creating a heady, aromatic signature blend—sometimes 50 individual spices deep. Here the vibrant, earthy mix is pared down to just eight spices (plus salt), including cinnamon, cumin, coriander, allspice, black pepper, and ginger. It’s essential to the savory turkey pie known as b'stilla, but makes an excellent addition to lamb burgers and roasted chicken as well

YIELD

Makes about 3 tablespoons

INGREDIENTS

1. • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
   • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

PREPARATION

1. In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients until combined well. Spice blend keeps in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 month.
2. Add turmeric and paprika to the spice mix if the tagine recipe does not have it. 

Royal Couscous

Ingredients for 10 people

• 1kg lamb neck
• 300g lamb shoulder
• 800g beef brisket
• 200g beef loin
• 10 merguez sausages
• 300g onions
• 60g garlic cloves
• 500g tomatoes
• 600g zucchinis
• 1 red pepper
• 1 green pepper
• 700g turnips
• 600g carrots
• 200g Moroccan hot peppers (optional)
• 200g celery stalks
• 250g chickpeas
• 600g couscous granules
• 25g butter
• 3 tbsp ras-el-hanout
• 3 tbsp coriander powder
• 3 tbsp paprika
• 3 tbsp sweet pepper powder
• 1 tbsp fennel powder
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• 7 tbsp olive oil

Cut all the vegetables into large chunks
Zucchini is almost into 3 pieces
Crush the Garlic into big chunks

Step 1: 

• Brown the meat- mutton or lamb
• Then add water to cover the meat,
• Add all the spices
• Mix 
• Pressure cook for 30 minutes

Step 2:  Add to the simmered meat stew the following: 

• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomatoes 
• Carrots
• Simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: 

• Now add turnips, celery and Shimla mirch, optional hot peppers.  
• Simmer until the vegetables are tender

Step 4: 

• Finally add the chickpeas, the zucchini and meatballs if using
• Simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat.