What Arabic name for a certain mix of herbs, literally translates as “top of the shop”?
Ras-el Hanout Makes 1/4 cup Translates to “top of the shop”, “head of the shop” or “best of the shop”. This complex spice blend is used in Moroccan cooking, with a similar version in Algeria and a somewhat different one in Tunisia. Spice shops employ experts who concoct the mixture, using up to twenty-seven different spices. In the Sahel of Tunisia, ras al-hanut is usually composed of cinnamon, rose petals, cloves, and black pepper, and may also include cardamom, mace, galangal, nutmeg, allspice, ash berries, ginger, turmeric, nigella (black cumin seed), lavender, orrisroot, cassia, and fennel seeds. This is a simple and mild version. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon turmeric 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 tablespoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/4 tablespoon freshly ground cardamom seed 1/4 tablespoon freshly ground clove Mix all the ingredients and store in a spice jar. It will keep indefinitely but lose its pungency over time.
