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    Home » Condiments » Hawayej (Hawaij) Spice

    Hawayej (Hawaij) Spice

    Published: Apr 2, 2021 · Modified: Apr 2, 2021 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Hawayej is a Yemeni spice blend that is so aromatic and speaks volumes of the traditional Middle Eastern spices. Use it to give earthy, floral and nutty characteristics to your dishes.

    If you like to make your own spice mixes, I highly recommend this my grandmother's Egyptian Dukkah recipe that I grew up with.

    A hand holding a small wooden spoon over a jar of Hawayej mix.
    Hawayej in an incredible all purpose spice mix with robust Arabic flavors.

    Table of contents

    • ❓Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 📝 Recipe Ingredients
    • 🥄 Recipe Instructions
    • 💡 Recipe Expert Tips
    • 💬 Recipe FAQs
    • 🥫 Storage
    • 🍽️ Variations and Usage
    • 📣 More Recipes From the Blog

    ❓Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Making your own spice mixes is so easy and greatly rewarding. It takes literally minutes to make the spice blend and you will have a jar of freshly spice mix to use or as a gift.

    Hawaij or Hawayej is no difference, a mix of warm spices that you can use in so many ways. When I was roasting the spices I felt I am in the middle of the spice market in Egypt, or any of the Middle Eastern countries I've visited.

    Use this a rub to your grilled meats, on salads, rice, sauce, soups or even mix with your favorite baked goods like scones.

    📝 Recipe Ingredients

    Hawayej spic ingredients on a wooden table.

    🥄 Recipe Instructions

    Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    A collage of four images shwoing how to make Hawayej spice mix.
    • Add all the spices except for the turmeric in a dry skillet and toast on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
    • Remove to a plate and let the spices cool down then finely grind with your coffee grinder.
    • Sift the ground spices through a fin mesh into a deep bowl.
    • Add turmeric and mix well until combined.

    💡 Recipe Expert Tips

    • You can use the ground spices but frankly I am against it.
    • Toasting your whole spices makes all the difference and is really rewarding.
    • This recipe does not have salt so you'll need to add salt to your liking when using it.

    💬 Recipe FAQs

    How do you pronounce Hawaij?

    Hawayej is also spelled Hawaij and Hawayij is pronounced Ha-why-adge.

    What does Hawayej mean?

    Hawaij is a plural word that has so many meanings in the Arab world. In some parts it means things needed like necessities, while in other parts it means can mean clothes.

    🥫 Storage

    Store Hawaij in a container with a tight fitted lid in a dark dry place and away from heat. It can last up to 5-6 months if properly stored. If in doubt, take a small pinch of Hawaii spice and rub between your fingers then sniff, if there is no smell then it lost its magic and you should toss it away.

    🍽️ Variations and Usage

    • This spice is intensely personal and it has been passed in families from generation to generation. Curry powder, paprika and chicken bouillon are the most common spices to add on to your mixture.
    • There is another version of Hawayej for desserts and coffee made from cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and saffron. Sometime ginger and anise or fennel is used as well.
    • Hawayej is an all purpose spice mix that can be used with chicken, meat, seafood, vegetables and more. Sprinkle it over soups and stews or rice dishes to pump up the flavor.
    A spoon of Hawayej spice on a white plate with some roasted spices whole spices on the plate.
    Hwayej is an essential spice mix in Yemeni cuisine.

    📣 More Recipes From the Blog

    • Dukkah Spice; Egyptian Nut and Spice Blend
    • Homemade Tahini
    • Best Three Ways to Make Chermoula Sauce
    • Homemade Harissa Recipe

    I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
    Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises!

    If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

    A hand holding a small wooden spoon over a jar of Hawayej mix.

    Hwayej (Hawaij) Spice Mix

    An all purpose very balanced spice mix to give more flavor to your dishes. An outstanding spice mixture that is very aromatic and can be incorporated in any dish.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seasoning
    Cuisine: Middle East, Yemeni
    Diet: Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 14 Tablespoons
    Calories: 23kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup black peppercorn 30g
    • 1/4 cup whole cumin seeds 25g
    • 1/4 cup whole coriander seeds 15g
    • 2 1/2 ground turmeric 22g
    • Small stick cinnamon 2g
    • 1 teaspoon whole cloves 2g
    • 1 teaspoon cardamom 4g

    Instructions

    • On a skillet over medium low heat add all the spices except for the turmeric.
    • Roast the spices for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
    • Put the roasted spices on a plate and let them cool down.
    • Finely grind the spices in your coffee grinder.
    • Sift the ground spices and discard big chunks then mix in the turmeric.
    • Put the spice mix in a jar with a tight lid and store in a cool dry place.

    Notes

    • Some people like adding one or all of the following: curry powder, paprika and chicken bouillon powder to the mixture as well.
    • There is another version of Hawayej for desserts and coffee made from cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and saffron. Sometime ginger and anise or fennel is used as well.
    • How to use:
      • Hawayej is an all purpose spice mix that can be used with chicken, meat, seafood, vegetables and more.
      • Sprinkle it over soups and stews or rice dishes to pump up the flavor.
    • Storage:
      • Store in a container with a tight fitted lid in a dark dry place and away from heat. It can last up to 5-6 months if properly stored. If in doubt, take a small pinch of Hawaii spice and rub between your fingers then sniff, if there is no smell then it lost its magic and you should toss it away.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg
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    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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    Comments

    1. Salwa

      April 03, 2021 at 11:59 am

      I’m wondering if I could skip the toasting before grinding and just toast the amount I need each time I’m cooking.

      Reply
      • Amira

        April 11, 2021 at 8:53 pm

        You can adjust according to what you need Salwa, you might want to use the sliding bar up there in the recipe card to adjust serving to your desired amount. Hope this will help.

        Reply

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    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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