Dukkah spice is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically contains nuts, seeds, and spices. It’s used as a condiment, a topping for salads or vegetables, or a coating for meat or fish before cooking.
If you don’t have dukkah spice on hand, there are several Dukkah Spice Substitutes that will work just as well. Here are some tips for substituting dukkah spice.
What is Dukkah Spice? What does dukkah spice taste like?
Dukkah is a type of Middle Eastern spice blend that typically contains a mix of nuts, seeds and spices. The most common nuts used in dukkah are hazelnuts or almonds, while popular spices include cumin, coriander and pepper.
The blend is typically used as a dipping sauce for bread or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.
While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the region or cook, the overall flavor of dukkah is nutty and earthy with a touch of heat from the spices.
It is an easy way to add depth and flavor to any dish and is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern cuisines. If you are looking for a new spice to try, dukkah is a great option that can be used in many different ways.
Ideal Substitute for Dukkah Spice
1. Za’atar
Za’atar is a good substitute for Duqqa Spice. Za’atar is a blend of spices that includes sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds. It has a savory, earthy flavor that is similar to Duqqa Spice.
Zaatar is commonly used in dips, as a rub for meats, or as a seasoning for vegetables. It also pairs well with dairy, making it a versatile ingredient for cooking.
Zaatar can be used in many different ways to add flavor to your food. Try it sprinkled on eggs, stirred into yogurt, or mixed into hummus for a delicious and easy way to spice up your meal.
2. Ras el Hanout
Ras el Hanout is a spice blend that originates from Morocco. It typically includes a combination of spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder, and coriander.
While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the recipe, Ras el Hanout generally has a warm and earthy flavor. Duqqa, on the other hand, is an Egyptian spice blend that often contains fennel, cumin, and cloves.
It can also have a slightly sweet flavor due to the addition of cinnamon or nutmeg.
While both Ras el Hanout and Duqqa are great for adding flavor to dishes, Ras el Hanout is a good substitute for Duqqa because it has a similar flavor profile but is less likely to be overpowering.
Additionally, Ras el Hanout typically includes fewer ingredients than Duqqa, making it easier to find in stores.
3. Homemade Dukkah Spice
Make your own dukkah spice blend. If you have the individual ingredients on hand, you can easily make your own dukkah spice blend at home.
Just combine equal parts nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios), seeds (sesame seeds, cumin seeds), and spices (coriander, paprika, salt) in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground.
Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.
4. Shichimi togarashi
If you’re looking for a spice to add some extra flavor to your cooking, shichimi togarashi is a great option. Also known as the Japanese seven spices, it is a blend of chili peppers, dried orange peel, sesame seeds, ginger, and seaweed.
This versatile spice can be used on various dishes, from grilled meats to noodle soups. Both of these spices can add a flavorful kick to your cooking.
5. Furikake
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning that can be used as a substitute for Duqqa spice. It is typically produced from a blend of dried fish, sesame seeds, and seaweed.
This seasoning is often used to top rice dishes or to add flavor to soups and stews.
Furikake can also be used as a coating for grilled meats or vegetables. While it may not be as widely known as Duqqa spice, Furikake is a versatile seasoning that can add a unique flavor to many different dishes.
6. Tsire, or suya
Tsire, or suya, is a worthy substitute. This spice blend is common in West African cuisine, and it imparts a similar flavor to duqqa.
The key ingredients in tsire are ground peanuts, chili pepper, and ginger.
These are roasted together until they form a crumbly mixture, which is then used to season meats or vegetables. If you can’t find duqqa spice, tsire is a great alternative.
7. Herbes de Provence
Substitute another seasoning blend. If you don’t have any Middle Eastern-inspired seasoning blends on hand, there are plenty of other options that will work well in place of dukkah spice.
Try herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, or even pumpkin pie spice in your recipe. Remember that the flavors will be different than if you had used dukkah spice.
8. Cajun spice blend
Cajun spice blend is a good substitute for Duqqa Spice. The main difference between the two is that Cajun seasoning has a bit more of a kick to it, while Duqqa has a more complex flavor.
The other spices in the blend are also different, but they all work together to create a delicious and unique flavor.
When substituting Cajun seasoning for Duqqa, I would recommend using a bit less of it, as it can be quite spicy. You can always add more if you need to, but it’s better to start with less and build up the flavor gradually.
I think you’ll find that this substitution works well in most recipes calling for Duqqa spice.
Give it a try next time you’re in the mood for something new and exciting. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Read more: Substitutes for kimchi paste
FAQs on dukkah spice substitute
Q1. What does Zaatar taste good on?
Zaatar is a beautiful, multi-dimensional spice that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and depth. It has a unique taste that is earthy, nutty, slightly lemony, and a little bit salty.
Zaatar is traditionally used in Levantine cuisine, but it can be used in many other cuisines as well. Here are some ideas of what to put Zaatar on:
-Mix it with olive oil and brush it on bread before baking for a flavorful and fragrant focaccia or flatbread.
-Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or tomatoes.
-Stir it into plain yogurt or Labneh (a thick Middle Eastern yogurt) to make a delicious dip or condiment.
-Make a Zaatar-spiced butter by mixing it with softened butter and using it to top grilled meats or vegetables.
-Add it to hummus for an extra zing.
-Use it as a seasoning for fried eggs, grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
-Sprinkle it over popcorn for a savory and exotic twist on a classic snack.
Q2. What spice do Arabs use?
As anyone who has ever tasted Moroccan cuisine can attest, Arabs have a very distinctive way of using spices. One of the most notable features of Arab cuisine is the use of warm spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and paprika.
These spices are used to create bold and flavorful dishes that are often quite spicy. In contrast to the heavy use of spices in Arab cuisine, Turks typically use a more moderate amount of spices in their dishes.
This is due in part to the fact that Turkish cuisine has been heavily influenced by Ottoman cuisine, which is known for its more subtle flavors. As a result, Turks tend to use a wider variety of spices than Arabs, including mint, dill, and sumac. However, the use of spices in Arab and Turkish cuisine is just one of many ways in which these two cuisines differ.
Q3. Is Zaatar and sumac the same?
One of the most typical questions I get asked in my line of work is whether or not Zaatar and sumac are the same things. The answer is a little complicated.
Both Zaatar and sumac are middle eastern spices that add a unique flavor to dishes. Sumac is made from ground sumac berries, while Zaatar is a blend of herbs and spices that usually includes thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds.
The two spices can be used interchangeably in some recipes, but they will give your dish a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a more earthy flavor, go with Zaatar. If you want a tangier taste, use sumac. And if you can’t decide, why not try both?