Xawaash

Xawaash

Xawaash

Xawaash (pronounced hawaaj) is a complex spice blend used in Somali cuisine; much like berbere is used in Ethiopian cuisine. It is used in dishes such as suugar, a meat and vegetable stew, and suugo, a Somali pasta sauce. I highly recommend that you lightly dry toast the whole spices. It completely changes the flavor, making the xawaash more aromatic.
Prep Time8 minutes
Course: Spice
Cuisine: Somali
Keyword: East African, Somali, Spice
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Spice grinder

Ingredients

Whole Spices

  • 3 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 3 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp green cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Ground Spices

  • 1 tbsp ground sage
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Dry toast the whole spices in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.
    Somali, spice
  • Grind the whole spice in a spice grinder. Mix together with the other ground spices. Store in a container for up to 3 months.
    Somali, spice