Dukkah

Ground spices and nuts in a mortar and pestle. Pink marble background.

Pronounced “doo-kah,” this is a versatile centuries-old spice blend with Middle Eastern origins that you can use to crust proteins like fish or chicken, stir into soup, or top a salad.  

This recipe can also be made with a mortar and pestle!

Makes 3/4 cup.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup combined unsalted shelled pistachios, unsalted raw hazelnuts and almonds  
  • 2 Tbsp hulled sesame seeds, lightly toasted  
  • 1 ½ tsp fennel seeds  
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds  
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds  
  • Pinch cayenne pepper  
  • 1 tsp kosher salt  

Directions

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and toast about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until lightly browned. Transfer to a food processor.  
  2. In same skillet, toast cumin, fennel and coriander seeds for about 1 minute until they release their scent. Remove seeds from skillet and allow to cool for a few minutes. Add to food processor.   
  3. Add sesame seeds, salt and cayenne to food processor. Grind until spices look like coarse sand, some nut chunks can be as big as 1/8 – ¼ inch.  
  4.  Make sure dukkah is fully cooled. Store in airtight container in a dry place for up to 3 weeks.