Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (2024)

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This dukkah recipe is a delicious addition to avocado toast, dips, fish, and meats in cooking.

Dukkah (pronounced doo-kah) is an Egyptian spice blend. There are slight variations in dukkah recipes, which contain a mix of seeds, spices, and nuts.

The word dukkah, in Arabic, means "to crush" or "to blend". In Egypt, dukkah is used as an all-purpose spice, and often, families and vendors have their own blends and traditional ways of combining the ingredients.

Crushing the seeds, spices, and nuts allows them to meld together to create an aromatic blend.

It is straightforward to make your own blend of dukkah. I'll show you how!

Jump to:
  • Dukkah Ingredients
  • How to Make This Dukkah Recipe
  • What is dukkah used for?
  • How do you Eat Dukkah?
  • Dukkah FAQs
  • Dukkah Recipe
Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (1)

Dukkah Ingredients

This Egyptian condiment typically has earthy flavors. Dukkah includes a combination of nuts (like hazelnuts or peanuts), sesame seeds, and whole spices (like cumin and coriander).

Our blend includes common ingredients that can be found at the grocery store, including the following:

  • Pine nuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Pistachios
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Coriander seeds
  • Thyme
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Other variations of dukkah mixes include different ingredients like sunflower seeds, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, and black peppercorns.

How to Make This Dukkah Recipe

First, preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper.

Next, sprinkle the pine nuts, hazelnuts, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and thyme in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.

Then bake the nuts and seeds for 8 minutes or until the hazelnuts are dark brown.

Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (2)

After the nuts and seeds have cooled slightly, blitz them for 30 seconds in a high-speed blender or small food processor. Combine them, but make sure they still have texture.

Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (3)

I like a chunky, coarse texture, but depending on how you are using it, you may want to blend it to a coarse or fine powder.

Next, combine the blended nuts with the sesame seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Stir to combine, and store dukkah in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (4)

What is dukkah used for?

Dukkah is a flavorful spice blend.

You can rub dukkah on fish or meat, sprinkle on a salad or stir into a dip (hummusor yogurt) to add complexity.

It's great with pita bread and sometzatzikior sprinkled on some avocado toast.

How do you Eat Dukkah?

Dukkah is such an excellent all-purpose blend. And a great condiment and topping.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy dukkah is to sprinkle it on top of avocado toast! This is one of my favorite ways to eat it.

It’s wonderful on top of dips, spread across roasted veggies, and in salads and soups. Check out these delicious ways to use dukkah:

Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (5)

Dukkah FAQs

Where to Buy Dukkah

Dukkah is available in many grocery stores (check the nearest Middle Eastern market if you can't find it at your regular grocery store) and from several spice shops online.

When buying spices online, it’s essential to make sure you are buying from distributors that sell high-quality spices. One I trust is thisEgyptian Dukkah Spice Blend.

How to use dukkah on fish?

Dukkah is a great topping for fish. Pat the fish dry and press the dukkah onto the fish to form a crust. You can either bake the fish or pan-fry it in oil or butter.

Is dukkah the same as za'atar?

Dukkah is a blend like za'atar but is not the same. Dukkah has a base of nuts and seeds and is much chunkier in texture, while za'atar is made primarily from herbs. Both are commonly used inMiddle Eastern cooking.

Looking for more Middle Eastern spices? Check out our guide onMiddle Eastern spices.

How do you store dukkah?

I recommend storing your homemade dukkah recipe at room temperature in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.

Can you freeze dukkah?

You can freeze or refrigerate dukkah in an airtight container. Any additional moisture will cause the nuts to degrade and become soft so you want the container airtight.

It's easy to make your own dukkah seasoning at home. This amazing recipe will be your new secret weapon for adding flavor and

Yield: 1 ½ cups

Dukkah Recipe

Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (6)

This dukkah spice mix is infinitely useful and tasty!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time8 minutes

Total Time18 minutes

Ingredients

  • ¼ cuppine nuts
  • ½ cuphazelnuts
  • 1 tablespooncumin seeds
  • 1 tablespooncoriander seeds
  • ½ teaspoonthyme
  • ½ cupshelled roasted pistachios
  • 3 tablespoonssesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoonpaprika
  • 1 teaspoonsalt
  • ½ teaspoonpepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. On a lined cookie sheet (use a silpat or parchment), sprinkle the pine nuts, hazelnuts, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and thyme. Bake for 8 minutes or until the hazelnuts are dark brown.
  3. In a high-speed blender or food processor, blitz the nuts and seeds for 30 seconds or until they are combined but still have texture.
  4. Combine the blended nuts with the sesame seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Dukkah Recipe: A Simple, Authentic Egyptian Spice Blend (2024)

FAQs

What is dukkah seasoning made of? ›

Dukkah (also spelled duqqa) is a Middle Eastern and Egyptian nut, seed, and spice blend. The exact ingredients tend to vary, though various toasted nuts, sesame seeds, coriander, and cumin are among the most common additions.

What is the difference between Zaatar and dukkah? ›

Dukkah and za'atar both come from the Middle Eastern region and have slight similarities. While some of the ingredients of the two spice mixes are the same, za'atar is made with more ground herbs, such as thyme and oregano, while dukkah is primarily seeds and nuts.

What can I use instead of dukkah spice mix? ›

If you'd like to use whole spices: Substitute 1 tablespoon each whole coriander and cumin, and add them to the skillet when you add the sesame seeds.

Does dukkah go bad? ›

As with many spices and spice blends, dukkah may not exactly 'expire' but it will lose its potency and taste over time. Freezing is not a common or recommended storage method for dukkah because it can alter the taste and texture unfavorably.

How do you use Dukkah spice blend? ›

15 Ideas for using Dukkah at Home
  1. Sprinkle dukkah on hummus. ...
  2. Enjoy a dukkah-crusted falafel pita. ...
  3. As a dry dip with cucumber. ...
  4. Add crunch to your fattoush. ...
  5. Served alongside Ottolenghi's Butter Bean Dip. ...
  6. Smashed avocado on toast with a squeeze of lime juice. ...
  7. Coat roasted cauliflower with dukkah.
Oct 16, 2019

What is Dukkah in Arabic? ›

Dukkah is also written as 'duqqa,' 'do'ah,' and 'du'ah' and derives from the Arabic root meaning 'to crush.

Do Egyptians eat zaatar? ›

Za'atar, both the herb and the condiment, is popular in Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

What does Dukkah spice taste like? ›

Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of coarsely ground spices, nuts, and seeds that is entirely unique. It's savory, sweet, nutty, and zesty all at the same time and can liven up a variety of dishes. Combine it with a bit of good olive oil and you have the ultimate condiment to dunk crusty bread or warm pita into.

What is Palestinian Dukkah? ›

Dukkah is a spice blend popular in the Levant and in Egypt. Egyptian dukka uses ground nuts as the canvas for the spice blend while Palestinian Dukka uses wheat berries and legumes as its base. Dukka is usually served with some olive oil and warm pita bread. To eat it you dip the bread in the olive oil then the dukka.

Where is Dukkah in the supermarket? ›

Dukkah is an Egyptian mix of roasted nuts, seeds and spices blended together – available in the herb and spice aisle of the supermarket.

Where does Dukkah originate from? ›

Dukkah (duqqa), pronounced doo-kah, is a traditional Egyptian blend of nuts, seeds, and warm spices. It's been around since the age of ancient Egypt, but it is now widely popular throughout the Middle East and the world (you may have even found a little jar of it at your local grocery store).

What are the benefits of Dukkah? ›

The spices found in Dukkah can strengthen our immune system, help eliminate free radicals in the body, regulate our cholesterol levels, and prevent high blood pressure, among other incredible benefits that you will discover as we delve deeper into the world of Dukkah.

When should you throw out spices? ›

Ground spices lose their freshness the quickest and typically don't last past six months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it's time to say goodbye. Whole spices, on the other hand, can be fine for up to five years.

What happens if you use expired spices? ›

All foods, including spices, change and lose their freshness to some degree over time. Spices oxidize when exposed to oxygen (via Kemin), meaning they gradually deteriorate in various ways, including in their aroma and flavor. The closer you get to that expiration date, the less fresh the spices will be.

What does dukkah spice taste like? ›

Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of coarsely ground spices, nuts, and seeds that is entirely unique. It's savory, sweet, nutty, and zesty all at the same time and can liven up a variety of dishes. Combine it with a bit of good olive oil and you have the ultimate condiment to dunk crusty bread or warm pita into.

Where is dukkah in the supermarket? ›

Dukkah is an Egyptian mix of roasted nuts, seeds and spices blended together – available in the herb and spice aisle of the supermarket.

Does Trader Joe's sell dukkah? ›

Trader Joe's Dukkah basically looks like gravel, but it tastes pretty good. As you'd expect, it's seedy and nutty, but the spices bring a lot of flavor to the table as well. There's something almost licorice-esque about the taste.

What is the difference between zaatar and sumac? ›

Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

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