[1] Moroccan-spiced baked fries (photos #1 and #4 © Idaho Potato Commission)
[2] Ras el hanout, the famed Moroccan spice blend (photo © Silk Road Spices).
[3] The ras el hanout spices are blended, then ground. This mix includes allspice, black peppercorns, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, hibiscus, lavender, mustard seed and star anise. (photo © Spice & Tea).
[4] The types of Idaho potatoes. Idaho russets are on the bottom row.
[5] Broiled Salmon with Ras El Hanout Spiced Butter. Here’s the recipe (photo © The Kitchn).
[5] How about some grilled Moroccan Chicken? Here’s the recipe (photo © Feasting At Home).
For Cook Something Bold & Pungent Day (November 9th), we made these oven-baked fries flavored with the Moroccan spice blend, ras el hanout (photo #1, recipe below).
While ras el hanout is piquant rather than pungent (here’s the difference), it fit the bill—especially since the spice blend was augmented with garlic, paprika and cilantro.
WHAT IS RAS EL HANOUT
As just mentioned, ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice blend; it is also used in Algeria and Tunisia.
The name translates as “top of the shop,” i.e., the best.
There is no one recipe for ras el hanout: Every spice merchant has a proprietary recipe, and the cooks who buy the spices debate who has the best version.
The mixture often includes 30 or more of a spice merchant’s best ingredients: whole spices, dried roots and leaves, ground together.
The complex blend delivers many subtle undercurrents of floral, peppery and sweet.
HOW TO USE RAS EL HANOUT
Traditional uses include as a dry rub or marinade for grilled meats, in starches (couscous, potatoes, rice) and traditional Moroccan dishes like b’stilla and tagines.
You’ll find many uses for it. As with all blends, a bonus benefit is that you don’t have to measure out multiple seasonings.
We use ras el hanout on many things:
BUY IT OR MAKE IT
If you don’t want to buy a jar, here’s a recipe from food writer Marc Bittman:
Thanks to the Idaho Potato Commission for this recipe. If you love potatoes, check out the myriad of creative potato recipes on their website.
RECIPE: BAKED FRENCH FRIES WITH RAS EL HANOUT SEASONING
This recipe was developed by Tina Dawson of Love Is In My Tummy for the Idaho Potato Commission.
Ingredients
Preparation
1. PEEL and slice each potato vertically in half. Take one half, then slice it vertically in half again to reduce the thickness. Flip it on the flat side, and slice again into 4 fry-shaped pieces. Repeat with all the potatoes.
2. IMMERSE the chopped potatoes in water for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential to removing the starch, making for a crispier fry.
3. RINSE the potatoes until the water runs clear. Drain. Using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, dab until the excess moisture is removed. Transfer to a clean, dry bowl.
4. PREHEAT the oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the baking rack to the lowest position and another rack to the slot just above it.
5. COMBINE the potatoes with the rest of the ingredients except the cilantro. Toss to coat the spices evenly over the potatoes. Arrange in a single layer on a large baking tray or two medium trays (you may line the tray(s) with foil to make clean-up easier).
6. BAKE for 30 minutes. Halfway during baking, swap the top and bottom trays, and flip the fries. Once the time is up and the fries are crisp…
7. REMOVE from the oven, toss with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with condiment(s) choice.
> THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POTATOES
More Stories
TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Hank’s Gourmet Sodas
How One Detroit Chef Is Serving History in a Shoebox
Uses For Tahini Beyond Hummus | THE NIBBLE Blog