What to Substitute for Ras el Hanout? Proven Alternatives
I often get asked about substitutes for exotic spice blends. One mix that can be tricky to find is the Moroccan blend ras el hanout. In this article, I’ll share several proven ways to replace this aromatic spice mix in your dishes.
What Is Ras el Hanout?
Ras el hanout is a traditional Moroccan spice blend whose Arabic name means “top of the shop” – essentially the best a spice merchant has to offer. It typically contains anywhere from a dozen to several dozen ingredients, including cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, pepper, and saffron. This aromatic composition gives dishes the deep, complex flavor and aroma characteristic of North African cuisine.
Homemade Substitute Blend
If you can’t get hold of a ready-made ras el hanout blend, you can make your own substitute at home. Here’s a simple mix that captures the character of the original blend:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This blend will give you a flavor profile close to the original ras el hanout.
Single Spices as Substitutes
If you don’t have all the ingredients for the substitute blend, you can use individual spices that echo the character of ras el hanout:
- Cumin – its earthy, slightly nutty flavor is key to the ras el hanout profile.
- Cinnamon – adds the sweetness and warmth characteristic of this blend.
- Cardamom – provides the depth and aroma that are essential to ras el hanout.
Using these three spices in a 2:1:1 ratio, you can create a simple yet effective alternative to the original blend.
Remember that the key to success in the kitchen is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust the proportions and ingredients to your own taste. Over time, you might even create your own unique spice blend inspired by ras el hanout.
Bibliography:
- Wolfert, P. (2009). The Food of Morocco. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Ottolenghi, Y., & Tamimi, S. (2012). Jerusalem: A Cookbook. Ten Speed Press.
- McGee, H. (2004). On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribner.
What to Substitute for Ras el Hanout? Quick Cheat Sheet
Comparison of substitutes for the Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout.
| Substitute | Similar Composition | Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garam masala | Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom | Spicier, warmer | Stews, tagines |
| Homemade blend (cumin+coriander+cinnamon+turmeric+ginger) | Close to the original | Very similar | Couscous, meat marinades |
| Curry powder | Turmeric, cumin, coriander | Sharper, bolder | Vegetable dishes, rice |
| Ready-made couscous seasoning | Similar composition | Milder | Salads, light dishes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ras el Hanout Substitutes
Can garam masala replace ras el hanout in a tagine?
Yes, garam masala has a similarly warm, spiced character, though it’s warmer and less citrusy than traditional ras el hanout.
How do you make a homemade ras el hanout substitute?
Simply combine equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger for a similarly warm, spiced aroma.
Will curry powder work instead of ras el hanout?
Partially – curry powder has a bolder, sharper flavor, so it’s best to use less of it than the recipe calls for.