Here is an easy 5-minute Chermoula spice blend for you to use in your cooking! Use it to marinate your lamb, fish, chicken, and vegetables or as a simple seasoning.
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Since sharing my pilau spice mix recipe which you guys absolutely loved, I haven't shared a spice recipe from the African continent so I figured it was about time.
why you will love this recipe
- It uses readily available and all-natural ingredients.
- It's aromatic and flavorful.
- It's gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb.
- A great gift to give to friends and family, especially during holidays such as Christmas!
ingredient notes
- cumin seeds.
- cilantro (coriander) seeds.
- black peppercorns.
- ground/ granulated garlic.
- ground cinnamon.
- ground turmeric.
- salt.
- ground ginger.
- ground onion.
- dried parsley.
- ground sweet paprika.
- cayenne pepper - feel free to use more if your prefer a spicier blend.
The above is a summary - see the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact ingredient measurements.
how to make Chermoula Spice
- Toast whole spices: In a small pan, toast cumin, black peppercorns, and coriander (cilantro) seeds for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly darker.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let the spices cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Grind: Add the cooled spices to a spice or coffee grinder (or use a mortar and pestle) and process into a fine powder.
- Combine: Transfer to a bowl and mix with dried parsley, ground ginger, paprika, cinnamon, salt, turmeric, onion powder, cayenne, and garlic powder.
- Store: Pour the spice blend into airtight jars and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
how much spice per pound?
Regardless of the type of vegetables, meat, or poultry you are making, the base amount simply remains the same; two tablespoons of chermoula spice blend per pound. However, feel free to use more or less depending on how spicy you like your meals.
how to use Chermoula spice
- Use as a dry rub in making your dishes.
- Combine with a tablespoon of olive oil to make a marinade. You can also blend the spice mix with fresh cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil and fresh garlic to make chermoula sauce, which you can then use as a condiment or marinade.
how to store it
Store the spice mix in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place.
It will keep well for at least 6 months, and sometimes longer, depending on your kitchen temperature.
frequently asked questions
Chermoula spice is a popular seasoning in the North African countries of Morocco and Tunisia.
It is usually combined with olive oil and lemon juice into a paste, which is then used as a marinade or condiment.
In Moroccan cuisine, it is common for merchants to make ready-made chermoula spice mixes that can then be ground together with fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic to make chermoula sauce at home.
The spice is very versatile and each family or merchant will make it differently.
other tasty spice recipes
Love using spices in your recipes? Then try out these other flavorful recipes!
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📖 Recipe
Chermoula Spice
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon cilantro seeds (also known as coriander seeds)
- 2 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 2 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoon ground onion
- 3 tablespoon ground paprika (sweet)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more if your prefer it spicier)
Instructions
- In a small pan, toast the cumin, black peppercorn, and cilantro (coriander) seeds for about 2 minutes or until they turn a shade or two darker and become fragrant (see recipe notes).
- Allow the roasted spices to cool for a minute or two, then add them to a spice or coffee grinder and process to a fine powder (a pestle and mortar will also do).
- Transfer to a small bowl and mix well with the rest of the ground spices, namely dried parsley, ground ginger, sweet paprika, cinnamon, salt, turmeric, onion, cayenne pepper and garlic.
- Finally, transfer the spice mix to suitable airtight containers and use it as required or store in an airtight jar for later use.
Notes
- It’s fine to toast only one or two spices if you don’t have all the whole ones. You can also skip toasting and use ground spices, but toasting at least two types enhances the flavor. This recipe makes about 11 servings (2 tablespoons each). You can easily double or triple the batch. Store the spice mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Bryan
Looks very good. I would not add salt to any spice mix, add at the end of cooking. Don't 'roast' black pepper, you will lose some of the flavours which make up black pepper (about a dozen of them).
Kate Hahnel
It is perfectly fine to roast black pepper; roasting black peppercorns brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor. That is a great tip with the salt.I personally prefer to go easy on the salt when making spice mixes, then adjust the amount of salt afterwards.
Chenée
This spice blend is amazing! I used it on last night's chicken and the flavors were incredible!!
Kate Hahnel
It is perfect for chicken!
Jazz
I love Moroccan spice blends and this was my first time storing up a mix to have on hand. Turned out deliciously. Thanks!
Kate Hahnel
North African spices are the best! Glad you liked it.
Kaluhi
This was such a delightful spice! I used it for my chicken thighs and it made everything come alive! Thank you!
Kaluhi
This was such a delight! I used the spice for my chicken thighs and the flavors really popped!
Kate Hahnel
Makes me happy to know you loved it!
Chef Mireille
Although I make chermoula I usually make it as a sauce or paste with fresh herbs and olive oil. This spice mix is so convenient using dried herbs and spices instead as I didn't have any fresh herbs. Definitely going to be my new way of making chermoula seasoned foods.
Kate Hahnel
Love this method as well!! It certainly helps save time!!
Stefani Renee
I love all of the flavors in this and can't wait to try!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you, let me know how you like it!
Stephanie
This spice was amazing. I've never thought to put all of these ingredients together, but it just worked so well.
Crystal
I surprisingly had all of these ingredients in my pantry, so this was very easy for me to put together. Used it on lamb and it was amazing!
Kate Hahnel
Glad you liked it, thanks!
Katrina
I put this spice mixture in cute clear jars with a label and ribbon for gifts! Perfect!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kate Hahnel
It makes for such a wonderful gift!
Sara Welch
This is such a unique and flavorful spice! Adds so much flavor to a dish, I see why you love it; it's delicious!
kushigalu
Very interesting spice mix. Love the flavor combination.
Kate Hahnel
Thank you!
Anjali
This spice blend is so flavorful! We used it on some roasted veggies for dinner last night and it was a hit!
Kate Hahnel
That is wonderful, so happy you loved it!
Jamie
The spice combination is great! I love how simple it is and how quickly it came together!
Kate Hahnel
Yes, it is!! It is also a wonderful spice to give to friends and family as a holiday gift.
Nathan
I've never used Chermoula spice before, but what a great blend of ingredients! And such a beautiful color too. Can't wait to try it in my own cooking!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you! I love the color too!