If you have ever tasted a spice blend that instantly transports you to bustling Middle Eastern markets, you are about to fall in love with this wonderful Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe. This vibrant mix of toasted nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices delivers a crunchy texture and a fragrant, nutty flavor that elevates everything from fresh bread to roasted vegetables. Perfect for sprinkling or dipping, making this blend at home is surprisingly simple and endlessly rewarding. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible crunch, warmth, and depth of flavor. The ingredients are straightforward, but each adds its own unique character—whether it’s the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts or the earthy aroma of cumin seeds.
- Pine nuts: Toasted lightly, they add a buttery softness to balance the crunchier nuts.
- Hazelnuts: Roasting enhances their deep, toasty flavor that forms the backbone of your dukkah.
- Cumin seeds: These bring a smoky, warm spice that infuses every bite with exotic notes.
- Coriander seeds: Slightly citrusy and fragrant, they brighten the overall blend beautifully.
- Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal lift that keeps the spice mix fresh and aromatic.
- Roasted pistachios: Their vibrant green color and buttery crunch add a lovely textural contrast.
- Sesame seeds: This classic base gives the dukkah its signature nutty flavor and a bit more bite.
- Paprika: Provides a gentle warmth and a touch of smoky sweetness with a hint of color.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure no element gets lost.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the softer, nutty notes.
How to Make Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the pine nuts, hazelnuts, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and thyme evenly on a lined baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes or until the hazelnuts have developed a deep golden-brown color. This step is critical because it awakens the essential oils and intensifies the flavors of the spices and nuts, creating that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Blend the Toasted Mixture
Once toasted, transfer the warm mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse for about 30 seconds until the nuts and seeds are well combined but still retain a delightful texture. The goal here is not to pulverize everything into a powder but to keep a crunchy consistency that adds character to the dukkah. This blend of textures is what makes the Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe so special.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Next, mix the blended nuts with the roasted pistachios, sesame seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir everything together until evenly distributed. These additional ingredients round out the flavor profile with their distinctive crunch, a subtle smoky color from paprika, and seasoning depth. Your Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe is now ready to elevate your meals in so many delicious ways!
How to Serve Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe
Garnishes
Dukkah shines when used as a garnish to add texture and flavor contrasts. Sprinkle it generously over simple dishes like avocado toast, creamy hummus, or even an olive oil dip for crusty bread. The crunch and nuttiness bring a fresh excitement to everyday ingredients, turning the ordinary into something memorable.
Side Dishes
Try incorporating this Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe into your sides. Roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of dukkah become irresistibly nutty and fragrant. It also pairs beautifully with grains like quinoa or couscous, giving leftover salads or pilafs an instant upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve dukkah with warm pita bread and a side of creamy labneh for a delightful appetizer. You can also use it as a crust for fish or chicken to add a crunchy, spiced coating. The possibilities are practically endless when you have this versatile blend in your spice arsenal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, this Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place. Proper storage locks in the roasted flavors and crunch for up to three months, making it perfect for prepping ahead so you always have a tasty topping ready.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life even further, freezing your dukkah is an excellent option. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will stay fresh for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, just let it thaw at room temperature—no reheating required.
Reheating
Since this is a dry spice blend, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. However, if you’d like to refresh its toasted aroma after storage, a very brief toast in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes will revive those essential oils and crunch beautifully.
FAQs
What is Dukkah traditionally used for?
Dukkah is commonly enjoyed as a dip with bread dipped first into olive oil and then into the dukkah blend, offering texture and flavor. It’s also great sprinkled on salads, meats, and vegetables to add crunch and spice.
Can I substitute nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pine nuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios are traditional, feel free to try almonds, walnuts, or cashews depending on what you have. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, making your Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe uniquely yours.
Is this spice blend spicy hot?
This dukkah recipe is more fragrant and nutty than spicy. The pepper adds a gentle kick but nothing overpowering. If you prefer heat, you can always add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
How should I store Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe to keep it fresh?
Keep your dukkah in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its crunch and flavor. Stored this way, it stays fresh for about three months.
Can I use pre-ground spices instead of whole seeds?
While you can use ground spices, toasting and blending whole seeds and nuts provides the best texture and flavor. Whole seeds release fresh oils during toasting that ground spices can lack, making your Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe is such a joyful way to deepen your love of Middle Eastern flavors right in your kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and packed with personality, adding crunch and zest to so many dishes. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and keep it handy—this blend is sure to become one of your favorite secrets for making everyday meals extraordinary!
Print
Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fragrant and crunchy Middle Eastern spice blend made from toasted nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices. This Dukkah recipe combines pine nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, cumin, coriander, and sesame seeds for a versatile seasoning perfect for dipping, sprinkling on salads, or adding depth to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup shelled roasted pistachios
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius) to prepare for toasting the nuts and seeds.
- Toast nuts and spices: Spread the pine nuts, hazelnuts, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and thyme evenly on a lined cookie sheet (use Silpat or parchment paper). Bake them for 8 minutes, or until the hazelnuts develop a deep dark brown color, indicating they are perfectly toasted.
- Blend mixture: Transfer the toasted nuts and seeds into a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until the ingredients are combined but retain a bit of texture, avoiding turning it into a powder.
- Mix remaining ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine your blended nut and seed mixture with the sesame seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate all spices evenly.
- Store your dukkah: Place the finished dukkah into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place, and it will keep fresh for up to three months.
Notes
- Use a food processor to pulse gently and retain texture; avoid over-blending into a paste.
- Dukkah is a versatile spice blend: delicious when sprinkled on hummus, salad, grilled meats, or used as a dip with olive oil and bread.
- You can substitute pine nuts or pistachios with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make sure to toast the nuts and seeds evenly to avoid any burnt flavors.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor.
