Used mainly by Moroccans in elaborate, celebratory dishes, the aromatic, complex spice blend known as Rass, or Ras El Hanout (literally translated as 'head, or top, of the shop'), is prepared by grinding together two dozen or more whole spices and dried leaves/roots . Ingredients of Ras El Hanout recipe Every shop and spice merchant has his own 'secret' recipe for this delightful blend but, as a rule, it will contain a mix of:
- Cardamom, Clove and Cinnamon
- Coriander, Cumin and Paprika (sweet and/or hot)
- Mace and Nutmeg
- Peppercorn and Turmeric
Other, more exotic ingredients often added by spice sellers include: