Dukkah

Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of nuts and spices that is easy to make and adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to so many things. Whether you dip bread in it, use it to top eggs or salads, it's a delicious addition.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

I first came across dukkah many years ago and remember really liking it, but I then saw less of it for a while so kind of forgot about it. Since moving to Australia, I've started seeing it on the menu in lots of places. For whatever reason, it's seeing a popularity surge here.

Having tried dishes with this tasty mix sprinkled on top a couple times, I've been reminded how delicious it is. So, it didn't take me long to make some and add it to our pantry. It's really easy to make, keeps well and great to have on hand to perk up many a dish.

What is in dukkah?

Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of toasted nuts and seeds. The exact blend can vary quite a lot, although most traditional recipes will at least include hazelnuts and sesame seeds. Almonds are also popular, while others use pistachios or pine nuts. The spices can vary as well, but fennel seeds, cumin and coriander seeds are all commonly included.

Essentially all you do is crush all of the ingredients enough to make them relatively fine, but not so fine it's a powder. It should still have a bit of texture. But the key step you shouldn't skip is toasting the nuts and whole seeds to bring out their flavor.

In most cases, when you buy whole hazelnuts they will still have a slight 'skin' on them (no shell, but the inner layer around the nut). After you toast them, this will usually become loose so rub it off with a dry dish towel or your fingers before you put the nuts in the food processor.

Traditionally, everything would have been crushed by hand with a pestle and mortar, but a food processor makes things a lot easier and quicker. Just make sure you don't over-process everything. You want them broken into relatively small pieces, but not a powder, as I say.

How do you use this nutty mixture?

This condiment is great for lots of dishes. Traditionally, you dip bread in it, either just as it is or after dipping in oil first. You can also use it to top an egg, avocado toast, a salad and more. It's also something you can use to make a crust on meats instead of breadcrumbs, or tossed with vegetables such as dukkah roasted cauliflower.

If you store the mixture in an airtight jar, it will keep well for a good month, or really much longer. Just be aware that as with any spices, their flavor will fade over time so it's worth using this sooner rather than later.

With such wonderful flavors, and being so versatile, though, you'll soon be adding dukkah to everything and anything. This nut-based condiment is easy and adds that special something, so whizz some up and enjoy.

Try these other condiments to add flavor to your meal:

• Chimichurri sauce (a South American sauce combining herbs, chili, vinegar and oil)
• Rhubarb chutney
• Chermoula sauce (a North African mix of herbs, cumin, garlic and oil)
• Plus see more side dishes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

Remember to pin for later!