Ras el Hanout: A Spice Blend with Centuries of Royal Flavor
From the colorful spice souks of Morocco to modern kitchens worldwide, Ras el Hanout has long been revered as the crown jewel of North African spice blends. Its name alone hints at its rich story—Ras el Hanout translates to “head of the shop” in Arabic, meaning it’s the very best a spice merchant has to offer. And indeed, this blend has long been a showcase of culinary craftsmanship, blending complexity, aroma, and centuries of history into every pinch.
The Origins: Fit for Royalty and Celebration
Ras el Hanout originated in Morocco, though it's found in variations throughout Tunisia and Algeria as well. Rather than a fixed recipe, it was historically the signature mix of a spice merchant—his pride, his artistry. Some blends featured up to 30 or more spices, including:
-
Cinnamon
-
Coriander
-
Cumin
-
Cloves
-
Cardamom
-
Turmeric
-
Nutmeg
-
Paprika
-
Dried rose petals
-
Lavender
-
Grains of paradise
A Chef’s Journey: 4,000 Kilometers Across Morocco by Car and Camel
In 2023, I traveled through Morocco, covering more than 4,000 kilometers by car and camel, tracing the roots of Ras el Hanout through spice markets, mountain villages, desert kitchens, and home hearths. From the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech to the blue city of Chefchaouen, the ancient walls of Fez, the coastal charm of Essaouira, and the edge of the Sahara near Merzouga, every stop added another layer to my understanding of this iconic blend.
I met spice merchants who still hand-grind their blends from family recipes, some unchanged for generations. I cooked with Berber families in the High Atlas Mountains, where Ras el Hanout leaned floral and earthy, and tasted bold, paprika-forward versions deep in the desert, where lamb was cooked in hot sand beneath starry skies.
This wasn’t just a culinary trip—it was a sensory and cultural immersion. That experience shaped the Ras el Hanout we now offer at Collected Foods. It's not just a spice—it’s a memory. A moment. A journey. And now, it can be yours too.
👉 Try the Blend Inspired by This Journey
Not Just Flavor—Aromatic Symbolism
This wasn’t just for flavor—it was a blend layered with cultural, medicinal, and even aphrodisiacal symbolism. In fact, some ancient versions included Spanish fly (now banned), a supposed romantic stimulant. Ras el Hanout was believed to invigorate, balance the body, and even inspire.
A Spice of Feasts and Family
Historically, Ras el Hanout was reserved for celebratory dishes, wedding feasts, and religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Think of it like the saffron of spice blends—rich, potent, and treated with reverence.
Some of the most iconic uses include:
-
Tagines – Slow-cooked lamb, chicken, or vegetables, often with preserved lemon and olives
-
Bastilla – A sweet-savory pie of pigeon or chicken with cinnamon sugar-dusted pastry
-
Harira – A beloved tomato-based lentil and chickpea soup
-
Couscous – Steamed semolina with vegetables, chickpeas, and aromatic broth
-
Grilled meats – Ras el Hanout as a dry rub or marinade for lamb and chicken
How Ras el Hanout Traveled the World
As Arab and Berber traders moved through North Africa and into Spain, Sub-Saharan Africa, and eventually Europe, Ras el Hanout traveled with them. It left its mark on:
-
Andalusian cuisine, where cinnamon and cumin became staples
-
Caribbean cooking, via the transatlantic spice trade
-
French cuisine, particularly in Provence, where colonial ties brought Ras el Hanout into rustic and modern French kitchens
Today, chefs worldwide use it to add depth to:
-
Grilled vegetables
-
Roast chicken and lamb
-
Couscous and rice bowls
-
Spiced lattes and cocktails
-
Even chocolate truffles and cookies—the floral warmth is incredible with cocoa
The Complexity: A Symphony of Flavor
No two Ras el Hanout blends are identical—but a great one should hit nearly every flavor note:
-
Warm and earthy (cumin, coriander, turmeric)
-
Sweet and aromatic (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
-
Floral and delicate (rose petals, lavender)
-
Spicy and vibrant (ginger, cayenne, paprika)
-
Mysterious and exotic (cardamom, grains of paradise, mace)
This complexity is what makes it so versatile—and what sets ours apart.
At Collected Foods, our chefs have cooked and traveled in more than 70 countries, tasting Ras el Hanout from Marrakech to remote Saharan villages. Our blend honors that tradition with balanced heat, floral nuance, and bold spice—ready to elevate traditional and modern recipes alike.
How to Use Ras el Hanout at Home
Here are some favorite ways to incorporate Ras el Hanout into your own cooking:
-
Rub on meats before roasting or grilling (especially lamb, chicken, beef)
-
Stir into couscous, quinoa, or rice with lemon and olive oil
-
Add to soups or stews for a North African twist
-
Mix into roasted vegetables like carrots, squash, or cauliflower
-
Sprinkle into yogurt or honey as a dip or sauce base
-
Bake into desserts like chocolate cookies or date cakes
Pro tip: Bloom the spice in oil or butter first to release its most aromatic compounds before adding to your dish.
In Every Package a Story
Our Ras el Hanout isn’t just a spice blend—it’s a flavor passport. It brings the warmth of the Moroccan sun, the bustle of ancient medinas, and the richness of centuries-old culinary tradition into your kitchen.
And because we’re chefs ourselves, we make sure each pouch is clean, additive-free, and potent—crafted in small batches so every meal you make tastes intentional, inspired, and rooted in something real.
👉 Shop Ras el Hanout – The Spice Merchant’s Signature Blend
Ready to explore more spices with a story?
Check out our full collection at CollectedFoods.com, and follow us on Instagram for recipes, spice tips, and cooking inspiration straight from the kitchen.
