Dukkah:
A nutty Egyptian treasure, Dukkah (pronounced DOO-kah in English and Dua’ah in Egyptian Arabic) is a spice and nut mixture from Egypt. Its name comes from the Egyptian Arabic word meaning “to crush” or “to pound.” which describes how it was traditionally pounded in a mortar and pestle, though it’s now more common to use a food processor to roughly grind this nut and seed mixture.
For centuries, dukkah (also spelled duqqa, dukka, du’ah, do’a) has been served with flatbread and olive oil as a way to start your day or as a pick-me-up snack throughout the day. Today, dukkah remains a popular street food, enjoyed in paper cones and endlessly tweaked by each vendor.
Dukkah is very nourishing- packed full of protein-rich nuts and seeds full of healthy fats, minerals, as well as B & E vitamins– it could even be called a superfood snack mix!
In Egypt, there is a saying, “eeish we dua’ah” which literally means bread and dukkah, but translates to the idea that one is never too poor to have pita and dukkah to satisfy your hunger.
Dukkah Recipes
Like many spice blends from around the world, Dukkah doesn’t have just one recipe. It does usually continue sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, salt, and nuts. Herbs such as dried mint or sumac may also be added. The nuts used in this unique spice blend varies: anything from peanuts to hazelnuts to walnuts to pistachios to almonds can be added. At SpiceTopia, our dukkah recipe includes cumin, black pepper, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and sumac berries.
Where’s the nuts you might ask? Our dukkah is actually nut free.
Huh, you just said that dukkah is a spice and nut blend, so how is that dukkah?
Making dukkah nut free allows for our kitchen to remain allergy friendly while allowing you to add the nut of your choice. Looking for hazelnut dukkah? How about an almond dukkah? Or a walnut dukkah? Our Dukkah spice blend works with any nut -just add half a cup of nuts to 2 tablespoons of our Dukkah Spice Blend and coarsely grind.
What Does Dukkah Taste Like?
Dukkah’s magic lies in its contrasting flavors and textures. Imagine the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts and seeds mingling with the earthy warmth of spices. Sesame seeds add a nutty richness and beautiful texture. Cumin and coriander weave in warm, earthy, and citrus notes. Fennel seeds add a touch of pine and sweet while just a bit of black pepper brings a sharp note and a sprinkle of salt ties everything together.
But the beauty of dukkah is its adaptability. Swap peanuts for hazelnuts, pistachios, or walnuts. Throw in some dried herbs for a touch of floral intrigue. The possibilities are The possibilities are endless, allowing you to start with a dukkah spice base and add the finishing touches that reflect your unique preferences.
Dukkah Goes Global
Dukkah’s journey beyond Egypt began with Claudia Roden’s 1968 cookbook, “A Book of Middle Eastern Food,” which introduced her mother’s dukkah recipe to the world. In recent years, dukkah has taken the culinary world by storm, finding its way onto the menus of acclaimed chefs.
From a classic dip with crudités to a power bar infused with dukkah and its rich nutrients, chefs are reimagining this ancient blend in exciting new ways.
Dukkah’s versatility shines in dishes like:
Spiced Hazelnut Butter With Dukkah
Dukkah Sautéed Spinach With Yogurt Sauce
Is Dukkah The Same As Za’atar?
At SpiceTopia, this is a question we often get asked. While Dukkah and Za’atar come from similar parts of the world, they are very different.
Much like Dukkah, Za’atar (also spelled Zatar, Zaatar, and Za’tar) has many different versions, but is most often based on an herb mixture. It also has a much finer texture than Dukkah. Read more about Za’atar in our Story of Story of Za’atar.
How To Use Dukkah In Your Kitchen
While dukkah served with olive oil and flat bread is certainly delicious, this Egyptian condiment has potential beyond a bread dip.
- Use dukkah as a coating for baked chicken or fish
- Add a bit to the top of dips like hummus or labneh
- Finish soups with a sprinkle of dukkah (we love it on this peanut nut soup)
- Sprinkle over roasted vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower
- A tablespoon or two of dukkah added to shortbread cookies is a delightful surprise
- Grilled fruits, crumbles, or even ice cream are made more delicious with the addition of dukkah!
Dukkah: Your New Culinary Ally
Dukkah is more than just a spice blend; it’s a gateway to a world of new flavors. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simple ingredients and the magic that happens when cultures share their culinary heritage. So, the next time you’re looking to add a touch of the extraordinary to your dishes, grab a jar of dukkah and embark on a delicious journey through history, texture, and taste.
We can always find Dukkah as well as 100s of more spices at Spice-Topia.com
