Dukkah

This Egyptian spice and nut blend is the ultimate Mediterranean shortcut—a handful of ingredients toasted to crackling perfection, then ground into something almost magical that transforms bread, vegetables, or anything it touches into something restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup hazelnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Method:

1. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, toast sesame seeds for 1–2 minutes until golden, then add coriander, cumin, and peppercorns. Toast for another minute until crackling with aroma.
3. Let everything cool completely.
4. Pulse in a food processor until coarsely ground—you want texture, not powder. Stir in salt, thyme, and cayenne.
5. Store in an airtight jar for weeks.

Full recipe at RecipeTin Eats →

Chef's tip: Serve with warm bread and a shallow dish of olive oil for dipping—your guests will think you've trained in Cairo.