Xawaash - The Traditional Mix Enjoyed
in Somalia and Throughout Africa

Xawaash (pronounced hawash), is an easy to make, fairly potent seasoning popular in Somalia and other African countries. If you're traveling around these places you'll find this blend, with many regional variations, often used to season and flavour many dishes, including: various meats, soups and meaty stews to name a just a few.

What You'll Need: (makes about 7-8 tablespoons)

3 tbsp cumin seeds
3 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
1 tbsp ground turmeric
2 tsp black peppercorns
2 tsp dried sage
2 tsp ground ginger
Seeds from 5 green cardamom pods
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp grated nutmeg
1 cassia cinnamon stick, 3 inches/6 cm

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

Break up the cinnamon stick

In a grinder, finely grind the cinnamon pieces with the peppercorns, cardamom seeds, cloves, cumin, coriander and fenugreek seeds. Add to a mixing bowl

Add the grated nutmeg, ginger and turmeric powder to the bowl and combine thoroughly

Finally, crumble in the dried sage and combine again

Store in a cool place in an airtight jar and out of direct sunlight. Use within 3 months before making more.

Note: For this recipe you could toast the whole spices: coriander, cumin, cloves, peppercorns and fenugreek. Click here for further info on toasting and grinding whole ingredients. (Link opens in new window)

Here's a video of how I made a version of the above xawaash. The ingredients may vary slightly but the process is exactly the same. If you enjoyed it, click the link below the video to subscribe. OR you can click the subscribe button in the bottom right corner in the video itself

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Why Not Just Buy Commercial Blends?

Homemade Xawaash Recipe

Of course it's easy to pop to the store and pick up a jar of curry powder or the like; so why would you make your own?

Well for one thing, I've never seen this recipe sold commercially in any store. Though you probably can get it pre-made nowadays on the internet.

Other than that you'll get...