African Spice Combinations For Savory Pies

By Caroline Anderson May 11, 2023 14 mins read 81 Views

Pies aren't just for dessert--they can be a complete meal, bringing together protein and vegetables. Adding an African twist to your savory pies using spices is an easy way to add flavor to any recipe.

Traditional African spice blends are a good place to start. Ras el hanout, chermoula, suya, and grains of paradise all make a great addition to any recipe.

Ras El Hanout

Ras El Hanout (pronounced ras el hnat) is a classic North African spice blend used in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia to season tagines, meats, vegetables and stews. It is traditionally made with a variety of spices including cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cumin, coriander, peppercorn, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and mace.

Although this blend is very similar to Indian garam masala, it has more of a North African flavor with the addition of floral and woody elements. It adds warmth & depth of flavor to chicken & lamb stews, soups, kebabs and couscous dishes.

It is a versatile blend and can be used in marinades, as a rub or to season braised meats. It also makes a great topping for grilled or roasted lamb, fish or meats.

Chermoula

Chermoula, a marinade and relish, is an integral part of North African cooking. Traditionally made by hand grinding spices and oil with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, today many cooks use blenders to quickly make an authentic chermoula sauce for a variety of dishes.

It can be used as a thickening agent, a condiment, and a garnish for salads and soups. It’s a great accompaniment to grilled meat or fish.

The blend of herbs, garlic, citrus and warm spices makes this a versatile sauce that can be used in any dish. It’s similar to pesto, chimichurri, or salsa verde.

This versatile sauce will vary in color and heat depending on the ratio of spices and herbs used, with a more paprika-heavy sauce appearing red, while a turmeric-laden version will appear yellow. It can be used to flavor a variety of foods from roasted vegetables and potatoes to hummus, quinoa, and avocado toast. You can even make a simple hero sandwich with a generous spread of chermoula.

Suya

The smoky, nutty, and spicy flavor of suya spice can add depth to just about any dish you season with it. This traditional African spice blend, also known as yaji, is a popular West African staple that’s been around for decades.

This nutty, fragrant spice mix is a favorite for Nigerian kebabs and other grilled meats. It’s also perfect for fish, poultry, and beef.

You can make your own suya spice or buy it in the store. This spice mix balances the heat of cayenne and crushed chiles with the nutty flavor of peanuts.

Whether you’re making your own yaji spice or using it in a restaurant, this blend is a must-have for every cooking enthusiast. You can use it as a dry rub for roasted or grilled vegetables, or spread it on soft butter for an extra-savory dipping sauce.

This suya recipe is easy to make on an air fryer and requires only a few ingredients that are available at your local grocery store or online. It will take your family’s meals to a whole new level!

Grains of Paradise

Grains of Paradise is a traditional African spice blend often used in West and North Africa. It's also an important ingredient in Moroccan ras el hanout and is sometimes called "baking pepper" or "Melegueta pepper" (from the plant aframonum melegueta).

Grains of paradise are a woody, aromatic, spicy-sweet, slightly tart spice that can be substituted for black pepper in many recipes. It has notes of citrus, floral sweetness and clove spice, which makes it a perfect addition to savory pies or a sweet dish needing a little heat.

It's also an essential ingredient in a mulled wine called gluhwein, a German Christmas market tradition that adds a festive glow to any drink. It's also used to infuse Bombay Sapphire Gin, a premium gin made in England with 10 botanicals that date back to 1761.

It's a great addition to chocolate as well. Try a dark Tanzanian chocolate bar from The Abibiman Project, infused with the aforementioned spices for an exotic take on a classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thai use for mint?

Lime-leaf mint (Mentha cervina) is the most commonly used type of mint in Thai cuisine.

It is mild and lemony in flavour, which adds freshness as well as zing to dishes. Thai dishes can also be enhanced by adding other spices such galangal or coriander to their flavour.

Mint is versatile and can be used both in sweet and savoury recipes. For authentic Thai flavours, you must use the right spices and herbs.

next time you make a Thai dish, don't forget to include some lime-leaf mint for extra flavour!

Happy cooking!

What are the 11 Indian spices used in Indian cooking

Coriander seeds and cumin seeds are the eleven main spices in Indian cuisine.

These ingredients can be found used in almost every recipe. These spices give a distinctive taste to dishes such as dal (lentils), curries, chutneys, pickles, rice, bread, and sweets.

The health benefits of spices can be found in their medicinal properties. One example is turmeric, which helps fight cancer cells. Bad breath is protected by cloves. Black pepper reduces cholesterol. Cinnamon lowers blood pressure. And ginger aids digestion.

A spice rack can be a wonderful kitchen tool, as it allows for you to try different flavors. You can mix your own spices or purchase ready-made spice mixes that include many essential spices.

Some people choose not to add spice to their food. Some people believe spices can only mask the natural flavor of food and don't improve it. However, it is possible to enhance the taste of your meals by adding a little salt or pepper.

Many chefs agree that spices play a crucial role in culinary art. Many dishes would be bland and tasteless without spices. You might be inspired to try something new next time you feel adventurous.

How do I make Thai food at home using Thai spices?

You will need to know five key spices in order to make authentic Thai food at your home: cayenne pepper, coriander seeds and turmeric. Each ingredient has a unique flavor profile and plays an essential role in creating delicious dishes.

Cinnamon provides sweetness while black pepper enhances the flavours. Coriander seeds provide a spicy kick and turmeric gives curry powder the yellow color it is known for. Cayenne peppers are hot, and cilantro adds freshness. The final touch is cinnamon which gives depth and complexity to any dish.

These spices are available at most grocery stores. However, if you prefer to order them online, we have recommendations.

Statistics

India contributes to 75% of global spice production. (en.wikipedia.org)
Their 14 to 20 percent essential oil content means that cloves have the highest concentration of aroma compounds of any spice. (masterclass.com)
According to Healthline, pink Himalayan salt is estimated to contain up to 84 minerals and trace elements, which gives the salt its special pink color. (spicecravings.com)

External Links

How To

How do you store your cooking spices?

I'll show you how to store spices properly for best results. First, let's understand how foods are stored.

Because spices lose their flavour when exposed to the sun, they are best kept out of reach from light. This is due to oxygen combining with organic compounds, such as spices.

Spices should be kept in the dark cupboards and sealed tightly in airtight containers to prevent oxidation. These conditions can cause spices to quickly lose their flavor.

Keep spices in airtight containers away from direct sun to preserve their flavour.

To make flavoured drinks, you can add herbs or spices to water. Mix two teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup warm water. Stir well. Serve immediately by adding a squeeze lemon juice.

Add dried herbs and spices to soups. Simply sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the dish and sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

As snacks, leftover cooked vegetables and fruits can be added into your favourite recipes.

To get the best flavours from fresh herbs and spices, cut them or tear them and add them to hot foods. You can also freeze spices and herbs by placing them in muffin cups or ice trays and freezing them. Once frozen, place them in freezer bags or zip-top bags.