Xawaash Spice Mix
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Xawaash Spice Mix

👤 4 servings easy 🌍 Somali splendidtable.org ↗

A Somali spice blend used in many traditional dishes, similar to garam masala. Each home cook prepares it differently. This version comes from Hawa Hassan's recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
  • 0.5 cup cumin seeds
  • 0.5 cup coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 6 cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Place the cinnamon stick in a small zip-top plastic bag, seal it, and bang it a couple of times with a rolling pin, skillet, or mallet to break it into small pieces.
  2. Place the cinnamon pieces, cumin, coriander, peppercorns, cardamom, and cloves in a small heavy skillet set over medium heat.
  3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the smell is very aromatic and the spices are lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Let cool.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a clean coffee grinder and grind into a fine powder, or use a mortar and pestle and some elbow grease.
  6. Transfer the ground spices to a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl and sift.
  7. Regrind whatever large pieces remain in the sieve and add them to the bowl with the ground spices.
  8. Add the turmeric.
  9. Whisk well to combine and transfer the mixture to an airtight jar.
  10. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

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