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Decoding Dukkah: A Complex Condiment

Dukkah, duqqa, du’ah, or do’a, these are the many names for a flavorful Egyptian condiment gaining popularity all over the world. A mixture of spices, herbs, and nuts, dukkah is a powdery blend that can be used to make dips for bread or vegetables or simply as a seasoning. 

What Does Dukkah Taste Like?

Thanks to a variety of spices and herbs, dukkah is highly flavorful. Recipes for dukkah call for mint, cumin, caraway seed, coriander,  fennel, black pepper, or paprika. Additionally, nearly any finely chopped nut can be included in the spice blend. Traditionally, hazelnuts are a common choice for dukkah, but pistachio, peanut, sunflower seeds, nigella seeds, or sesame seeds can also be used. Together, the unique combination of herbs, spices, and nuts gives the dukkah a multifaceted flavor and texture. 

How Do I Use Dukkah?

Image Credit: Flickr user stone-soup (CC BY 2.0)

The word dukkah is from the Arabic meaning “to pound”, which relates to the way in which the dukkah is mixed together. The spices and nuts are pounded together into a powdery, flavorful blend. The texture of the dukkah depends on how thoroughly the nuts and spices are pounded; dukkah can be sandy, powdery, or crunchy. The easiest way to use dukkah is as a dip for bread. Served alongside olive oil, the bread is first dipped in the oil before being dipped in the dukkah for a burst of flavor in every bite. Dukkah can also be mixed into yogurt for dipping vegetables or pita. Thinned, the mixture can be drizzled over salads or grain bowls. Try dukkah sprinkled over our Wild Rice and Acorn Squash Salad or on Herby Sous Vide Carrots for boost of flavor and texture. 

Where Can I Buy Dukkah?

Dukkah is quite popular in the Middleeast and Mediterranean, but can still be difficult to find in the United States. Some specialty grocery stores may carry dukkah, but we recommend buying your dukkah online or making it yourself. Many recipes use a food processor to make dukkah quickly and easily, but you can also use a mortar and pestle if you want to go the traditional route

Feature Image: By Abissada – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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