why is dukkah good for you

What are flavor bombs? They’re “condiments” that are…you guessed it…big on flavor! And having jars of them in your fridge makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Whether added during the cooking process or just as a finishing touch, they make even a simple dish taste fancy.

*Just giving credit where it’s due! ”Flavor bomb” is a term for these “condiments” that I stole from Yotam Ottolenghi.

Dukkah (pronounced DOO-kah) is made up of a mix of ground nuts, seeds, and dried herbs. For example, it could be crushed peanuts and hazelnuts, with sesame seeds, whole cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dried mint, and a pinch of salt.

So it’s like a spice blend but with a coarse, crunchy texture due to the nuts.

Dukkah is derived from the Arabic word “to pound”. It originally came from Egypt and—like most delicious foods—was invented by the poor. Folks used it to add extra calories and nutrients to their food. 🇪🇬

The spices found in Dukkah can strengthen our immune system, help eliminate free radicals in the body, regulate our cholesterol levels, and prevent high blood pressure, among other incredible benefits that you will discover as we delve deeper into the world of Dukkah.
why is dukkah good for you

How Do You Use Dukkah?

Dukkah is the perfect way to add aromatic flavor and crunch to just about any dish.

Think about pasta with garlicky olive oil or a creamy potato soup. They are both basic, yet comforting dishes. But you can elevate them by sneaking in pops of flavor and texture. Adding embellishment—like dukkah—make food go from comforting to thought-provoking. It’s about creating contrast to excite your palate.

There are two ways that I use dukkah.

As a Garnish

The simplest way to get the full dukkah experience is to add it to olive oil and then dip bread in it. You get a unique flavor and texture to an otherwise classic combo. This will show you the true power of dukkah.

But don’t stop there.

I love using dukkah as a garnish to:

  • Flavor simple roasted or steamed veggies
  • Create contrast on creamy avocado toast
  • Add texture to a pureed soup or mash
  • Use as a swap for croutons in salads
  • Give hummus a pop of flavor and texture

When all else fails, throw it on top!

Egyptian Dukkah – Healthy Nut and Spice Mix

FAQ

What is dukkah good with?

Dukkah is a fragrant, roasted spice and nut blend. Traditionally served with olive oil and fresh bread, it is also an aromatic coating for fish, chicken or lamb before grilling.

What’s the difference between dukkah and Zaatar?

Dukkah and za’atar both come from the Middle Eastern region and have slight similarities. While some of the ingredients of the two spice mixes are the same, za’atar is made with more ground herbs, such as thyme and oregano, while dukkah is primarily seeds and nuts.

What is dukkah made of?

A traditional Egyptian dukkah is a blend of hazelnuts, sesame seeds, ground cumin, coriander and fennel seeds and salt.

What does dukkah taste like?

Dukkah has a warm, toasty, nutty flavor that’s brightened by fresh, citrusy coriander and cumin. It’s a little salty and somewhat spicy, due to the black pepper. The flavor of dukkah can vary depending on the types of nuts and spices in your blend, but dukkah should always have a crunchy, crumbly texture.

What is dukkah & why is it so popular?

What is Dukkah? Also known as duqqa or du’ah, dukkah (pronounced doo-kah), is a traditional Egyptian seasoning blend that’s popular throughout the Middle East and consists of nuts, seeds, spices and herbs. Its name comes from the Arabic “to pound”, referring to the traditional method of grinding the spices with a mortar and pestle.

What is dukkah & why do people eat it?

Traditionally a mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices, dukkah is part of myriad food traditions across cultures. The word dukkah comes from the Arabic word “to pound” or “to crush,” referring to the old-world method of using a mortar and pestle to pound or crush the ingredients.

What makes a good dukkah?

“The key to a good dukkah is freshness of ingredients,” Shaya says. That’s why it’s best to make your own ( see the recipe ), so you know the nuts aren’t stale and the spices aren’t from the deepest part of your pantry. Plus, with the endless variations on the theme out there, what you put in it is up to you, like how Sortun adds coconut to hers.

What is a dukkah Spice?

Dukkah (pronounced doo-kah) is an Egyptian spice blend. There are slight variations in dukkah recipes, which contain a mix of seeds, spices, and nuts. The word dukkah, in Arabic, means “to crush” or “to blend”.

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