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Xawaash (A Somali Spice Blend)

March 5, 2020 By Darlene at International Cuisine

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The ingredients that make up the spice blend Xawaash

Xawaash is a spice blend from Somalia that is used in many of their dishes called Suugo or Saagar.  It is somewhat similar to berbere from nearby Ethiopia.  It is filled with the flavors of Somalia. Xawaash is pronounced “hawaaj” in Somali.

Somalia is located on the eastern peninsula of Africa known as the Horn of Africa. It has the largest coastline of all the African countries and is considered a gateway to the Middle East and Asia.  Hence, they have had the pleasure of the spice trade for generations.  It is no surprise that the cuisine is flavored with many of these spice treasures. 

When you make your spice blend you will need to lightly dry toast some ingredients to bring out their flavors, taking care not to burn them.   You will also need either a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.   A spice grinder makes quick work of it however a mortar and pestle is more authentic.  Either way you will end up with a glorious and flavorful spice blend.

Did you know that Somalia has been in anarchy with no central government since the 90’s? 

If you would like to learn more about Somalia, be sure to check out “Our Journey to Somalia.  There you will also find more authentic recipes to go with Xawaash in like  Suugo .  Also, you are sure to enjoy other recipes like  Somali Salad and Kac Kac

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

The ingredients that make up the spice blend Xawaash
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Xawaash (A Somali Spice Blend)

A fragrant and flavorful spice blend from Somalia
Course Seasoning
Cuisine Somali
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Servings 14 Tablespoons
Calories 18kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Cumin Seeds
  • 3 Tablespoons Coriander Seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon Peppercorns
  • 1 Tablespoon Fenugreek Seeds
  • 2 teaspoons Cardamon Pods Green
  • 1 teaspoon Cloves whole
  • 2 Tablespoons sage dried
  • 4 teaspoons Ginger dried
  • 1 Tablespoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg grated
  • 1 stick cinnamon broken into pieces

Instructions

  • In a dry skillet over medium heat dry toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, cloves, peppercorns and cardamon pods. Toast until fragrant just a couple of minutes taking care to burn them.
  • In a bowl, add in all the ingredients except the sage and turmeric.
  • Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to finely grind all the spices.
  • Pass them through a fine mesh sieve
  • Add in the turmeric and crumble in the sage and mix all together
  • Store in an airtight container it should last about 3 months or so.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

 

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Filed Under: Recipes, Seasoning, Somalia

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