Dukkah spice is an Egyptian nut and spice blend that will knock your socks off. This is a traditional Egyptian dukkah recipe with authentic ingredients. Roasting your own raw ingredients makes all the difference.
Dukkah or duqqa spice is a street food sold in Egypt and if you know it then you know what to expect but if you don't, then expect to be amazed. It is very easy to make and requires just 10 minutes of your time. Dukkah recipe with step by step instructions, a video and how to make dukkah as well.
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What is dukkah?
Dukkah is a spice blend very popular in Egypt and the Levant. Egyptian Dukkah uses nuts as the carrier of the spice blend, the Levant one on the other hand uses wheat berries and legumes. Dukka goes wild in Egypt especially during Easter time. It is usually sold with simit and hard boiled eggs, the sight of street vendors selling it is very common on the Nile river bank or near the gates of the Giza Zoo. I remember my mom buying the spice blend but never letting us eat bread or boiled eggs from those sellers.
There are many recipes online and of course there is always room for creativity by playing with the nuts and spices yet the authentic one is very simple. Because nuts like almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts are too expensive for food sold in the streets of Egypt, they tend to use peanuts and sesame seeds. These two are inexpensive goods that can be easily found there. Also dipping the bread in olive oil is not an Egyptian style, it is more Levant. Olive oil is expensive as well, to tell you the truth I did not like the taste of extra versionolive oil with dukkah, but it is a personal preference. I liked using mildly flavored oil to get the most out of my dukkah flavors.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Peanuts this is our main carrier nut, other options are available in the variations section.
- Sesame seeds are a must for this recipe.
- Cumin seeds and coriander seeds, when freshly toasted, give an extraordinary flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to adjust the taste of the dukkah.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Start by toasting coriander and cumin in a large dry skillet. In the same pan, lightly toast sesame seeds. Toast the peanuts as well.
- In a coffee grinder, finely grind cumin and coriander seeds.
- In a food processor, add peanut and ¾ or half the sesame seeds then roughly process.
- In a deep bowl, combine all the ingredients: ground spices, black pepper, salt, nut mixture, and the sesame seeds that we set aside earlier. That's it, place in an airtight container.
🥣 Equipment
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- Coffee grinder.
- Mini food processor
- Mason jars.
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👍 Amira's Tips
- I highly recommend buying raw whole spices, but I understand that this might be a problem for some, especially for coriander seeds. If this is the case, feel free to use already ground store-bought ones, but go for trusted, good-quality ones.
- I like toasting the spices in a skillet rather than the oven so I can monitor them.
- Try to buy white sesame seeds and toast them yourself.
- I bought my peanuts toasted and unsalted as I could not get a hold of raw peanuts.
- Pay special attention to cumin and coriander. We do not want them overroasted, or else they will taste bitter and ruin the whole formula. Set aside to cool down.
- I like my dukka with some texture, so I do not add all the sesame seeds to the food processor. You can finely ground everything; it is a matter of liking.
🍽️ Serve With
- Sprinkle over your salad.
- Use as a dip or sprinkle over boiled eggs (my favorite).
- As a spice for meat, fish, and poultry.
- Spice up your favorite hummus or guacamole .
- One of my favorite ways to enjoy dukkah is mixing it with some feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
💬 FAQs
Za'atar is a blend of herbs like thyme, sumac with sesame seeds and salt. Some people add cumin, marjoram or oregano to the mix. Dukka on the other hands has nuts in it along with a different set of spices.
Here is the good news, Dukkah is vegan, keto and gluten free!
Get your crusty bread and eggs ready then dig in 😋. Guys, you are in for a treat a very addictive one too.
What is better than a gift? A homemade gift. This makes a great homemade gift for any reason or season.
🧺 Storage
Shelf- Store dukkah in an airtight jar with a fitting lid in a dark cool place for up to two weeks.
Refrigerate - You can also refrigerate dukkah for up to 2 months.
Freeze - Portion dukkah in small jars or freezer safe small bags and freeze for 6 month. Best part is, it does not need thawing.
👩🍳 Variations
- A variety of nuts can be used instead of peanuts, or even use a blend of nuts you enjoy.
- You can also use a variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- I've tried it also flavored with dry mint and it was fabulous.
- Give it a kick and add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper🔥.
- Although not authentic, fennel seeds are very common to use in dukkah sold in the Untied States.
📣 Related Recipes
- Try this Egyptian phyllo meat pie recipe this week. Perfect for a hearty meal or as a tasty appetizer, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family with its rich and savory flavors.
- Gluten free meatballs made with fresh herbs, spices and rice flour ans also dairy and egg free. These Egyptian rice meatballs are fried then placed in flavorful tomato sauce for a delicious gluten free dinner.
- Try this simple two-ingredient Tahini Recipe, and you will never go back to store-bought jars. Silky, smooth tahin paste with no bitter taste is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern recipes.
Other Spice Blends
- 7 Spice mix is a versatile Arabic spice blend that gives rich and complex flavor to any dish you have. Learn how to make 7 spice at home with many variations.
- Hawaij Spice is used in Middle Eastern cooking and is typically a mix of black pepper, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. It adds an earthy and floral flavor to your meals.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
Dukkah (Egyptian Spice Blend)
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sesame seeds.
- ⅔ cup dry roasted peanuts.
- 2 Tablespoons cumin seeds.
- 2 Tablespoons coriander seeds.
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds until they are golden. Keep stirring the whole time for about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet place coriander and cumin, toast stirring frequently 1-2 minutes until they pop. Do not overcook. (Note1)
- In a spice grinder, add cumin and coriander seeds and finely grind.
- In a food processor, add peanut and almost ¾ of the sesame seeds and roughly process.
- In a deep bowl, add chopped nuts, ground spices, salt, black pepper and the rest of the sesame seeds. Mix well.
- Serve with oil, crusty bread and hard boiled eggs.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Sara Rodriguez
This perks up rice and if I want and have mixed nuts and dry fruit it’s elegant and delicious
Lola
I used a combination of hazelnuts and almonds rather than the peanuts as a personal preference. I liked the seasoning blend, which was a good balance of the spices. Thank you; your directions were very clear and easy to follow.
Aby
This dukkah recipe reminded so much of my grandmother. She used to make it all the time for us when we were young. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Amira
Aby, thank you so much for your feedback. I am happy you liked it.
Andy
I went to Egypt last summer and my friend there made me try dukka. It was fabulous and I brought some home too. My supply did not last long and I had to make my own. Your recipe is spot on and tastes just the same as the one I had in Egypt. Thank you so much for such a lovely recipe.
Amira
Thank you Andy I am so happy you liked it. Where did you stay in Egypt?
John @ Kitchen Riffs
Dukkah is such a great mix of flavors! I don't use it nearly enough -- in fact I'm out of it at the moment. THAT has to change! Neat post -- thanks.
Simone levy
My daughter was given some dukka as a gift from traders joe. It was coarser than the egyptian dukka. A sesame bagel with dukka and what u said served with a boiled egg and I like to eat with a small piece of soft parmesan. Its heaven and makes me feel I am back in egypt. Tx for ur recipe. I share it with my friends and family. I make a lot and share.
Nayer
The best!! will never make sukkah any other way. I like making chicken with sukkah crust too so divine.
Amira
Thanks Nayer for your feedback. Happy you liked it.
Iza W
This is a fabulous recipe with so much warm spices. I am glad I have found it.
Amira
Iza, this is awesome!!