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Dukkah: A Traditional Egyptian Delight
Dukkah Egyptian dish, (also spelled “duqqa”) is a versatile and nutritious Egyptian spice blend that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from a mix of nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices, dukkah is not only flavourful but also healthy, offering a unique combination of taste and nutrition. Its name originates from the Arabic word “to pound,” referring to how the ingredients are traditionally crushed together.
Ingredients and Preparation
The classic dukkah recipe typically includes a base of roasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds, mixed with sesame seeds, coriander, cumin, and salt. These ingredients are ground together to form a coarse, crumbly texture. Each household or region may have its variation, adding ingredients like black pepper, fennel seeds, or dried herbs for a personalized twist. The preparation is simple: roast the nuts and seeds, let them cool, and grind them with the spices. Dukkah can be made in larger batches and stored in an airtight container to preserve its freshness for weeks.
Nutritional Benefits
Dukkah is packed with nutritional value. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, fibre, and protein, while spices offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of these ingredients makes dukkah a heart-healthy addition to any diet. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium and iron, while nuts contribute essential vitamins such as vitamin E and B
vitamins. Additionally, the absence of added sugars or artificial ingredients makes it a wholesome option for flavouring food.
How to Enjoy Dukkah
Traditionally, dukkah is served with fresh bread and olive oil. You simply dip the bread into the oil and then into the dukkah, creating a crunchy, flavourful bite. However, dukkah can be sprinkled over roasted vegetables, salads, or even yoghurt for a burst of flavour. It also makes an excellent crust for chicken or fish, adding a nutty, spiced layer to the dish.
Incorporating dukkah into your meals adds not just delicious flavour, but a healthy, nutritious boost.
Dukkah – Traditional Egyptian Spice Blend Recipe
Dukkah is a traditional Egyptian condiment made of nuts, seeds, and spices. It is perfect for dipping bread, sprinkling over salads, or using as a crust for meats and vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home.
Ingredients:
½ cup hazelnuts (or almonds)
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
½ teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Roast the Nuts:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Once roasted, let the nuts cool slightly, then rub them with a clean towel to remove most of the skins.
Toast the Seeds and Spices:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds (if using) separately. Each ingredient will take about 2-3 minutes to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Remove from heat and let them cool.
Grind the Ingredients:
In a food processor or spice grinder, pulse the hazelnuts until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process, as you want a coarse texture, not a paste.
Add the toasted sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, and salt.
Pulse everything together a few times until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
Store the Dukkah:
Transfer the dukkah to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a month.
How to Serve:
Serve dukkah traditionally with bread and olive oil: dip the bread in olive oil, then into the dukkah.
Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, salads, yogurt, or even scrambled eggs.
Use it as a coating for chicken, lamb, or fish to add a crunchy, flavourful crust.
Enjoy the delicious, nutty, and aromatic taste of dukkah!
