So, what’s cooking my foodie folks? Anything interesting or exotic or any new dish panning out from your kitchen?

There are those times when you are so bored with the regular menu, that the foodie in you itches you to try something different. Now, the different definition can take you anywhere – maybe order a takeaway or hunt for fusion recipes or crack a new cuisine.

Well, this time to jazz up my cook-moods, I tried this earthy Egyptian nut, seed and spice blend – Dukkah. Pronounced as Doo-Kaa, this flavourful condiment is usually sprinkled on pittas or bread dipped in olive oil, or used as a dip, seasoning or mixed with hummus.  

I had this with veggies for the first time at a party, and I have been meaning to make this since then.

So here is the recipe –

·       ¼ cup hazelnuts

·       ½ cup walnuts (Or a nice mix of pistachios, cashews and walnuts)

·       3 tablespoons each of sesame and coriander seeds

·       1 tablespoon cumin seeds

·       ½ tablespoon fennel seeds

·       1 teaspoon kosher salt

·       ½ teaspoon dried mint

·       ¼ teaspoon sugar

·       Freshly ground black pepper

Method –

·       On medium heat, toast nuts until they turn fragrant and add coriander and cumin seeds. After a minute, add sesame seeds and stir until they turn golden brown on the edges.

·       Then combine all the ingredients and pulse until a coarse spice mix forms. Don’t overdo it, or else it will turn into a spicy-nutty butter (That tastes good too)

·       It’s ready! Enjoy!

I combined this spice with loads of olive oil and mixed with chopped and roasted beetroot and sweet potato.

Substitutions –

·      You can replace hazelnuts with almonds and black pepper with red pepper flakes. (However hazelnuts taste more authentic than any other nuts)

·      Many use coriander and cumin powder, but I suggest you use seeds for a nice genuine flavour.

Notes –

·      You can use it fresh for a week, however if you want to stock it, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for easily a month.

So, does it taste nutty or spicy or earthy? Try it and let me know