5 Surprising Ras El Hanout Uses You’ve Never Tried (But Definitely Should!)

If you’re a spice lover, chances are you've heard of Ras el Hanout. But here's the twist: most people only use it in the usual tagine or couscous dishes. What if we told you this North African powerhouse can do way more than that? In this post, we're spicing things up with some unconventional yet totally delicious ras el hanout uses—from breakfast to cocktails!

Table of Contents

• What is Ras El Hanout Anyway?
• Top 5 Unexpected Uses of Ras El Hanout
• Pro Tips for Using Ras El Hanout Like a Pro
• Spice Pairing Table: Flavor Matchmaking
• Final Thoughts

What is Ras El Hanout Anyway?

Ras el Hanout literally means “top of the shop” in Arabic, which hints at its prestige among spices. Traditionally sold by the most skilled spice merchants in Morocco, it’s often a closely guarded blend of up to 30 different spices like cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and even dried rose petals.

It’s used to elevate stews, meats, and rice dishes—but why stop there? Let’s dive into some bold and tasty ideas.

Top 5 Unexpected Uses of Ras El Hanout

1. Spiced Popcorn Night: Toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter and a generous pinch of ras el hanout. Add salt to taste. The warm spices create a sweet-savory combo that will keep everyone reaching for more.
2. Grilled Cheese with a Twist: Mix a tiny pinch into your cheese before sandwiching between two slices of sourdough. It adds depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with gooey cheddar or brie.
3. Breakfast Oatmeal Boost: Stir a dash into your morning oats with cinnamon and honey. It brings an exotic flair to your routine breakfast and warms you from the inside out.
4. Cocktail Rim Magic: Combine ras el hanout with sea salt and citrus zest. Rim your glass before making a spiced margarita or whiskey old-fashioned. The earthy-spicy notes complement citrus and smoky spirits perfectly.
5. Roasted Vegetables on Steroids: Toss carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and ras el hanout before roasting. It enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a complex, savory finish.

Pro Tips for Using Ras El Hanout Like a Pro

• Start Small: It’s potent! A little goes a long way, especially when using store-bought blends whose composition varies.
• Toast It First: Lightly heat the spice in a dry pan before using to unlock deeper flavor notes.
• Pair with Fats: Since many of the flavors are fat-soluble, use ras el hanout with oils, butter, or dairy to maximize aroma.
• Balance Sweet & Savory: This spice shines brightest when paired with ingredients like honey, apricots, figs, or yogurt-based sauces.
• Storage Matters: Keep it in an airtight container away from light and heat. Proper storage ensures it stays fragrant for up to 6 months.

Spice Pairing Table: Flavor Matchmaking

Main Ingredient	Best Spice Partners	Flavor Result
Popcorn	Ras el Hanout + Butter + Salt	Earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet
Chicken	Ras el Hanout + Lemon + Olive Oil	Fragrant, tangy, and rich
Oatmeal	Ras el Hanout + Cinnamon + Honey	Warm, comforting, and exotic
Cheese	Ras el Hanout + Black Pepper + Thyme	Smooth, spicy, and layered
Vegetables	Ras el Hanout + Cumin + Paprika	Smoky, hearty, and aromatic

Final Thoughts

Ras el hanout is far from a one-trick pony. Whether you're roasting veggies, jazzing up cocktails, or spicing up breakfast, this blend deserves a starring role in your spice rack—not just a cameo.

So next time you see that jar of ras el hanout sitting quietly in the back of your cabinet, give it a little love. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.

Now go ahead—spice outside the lines!