Photography by Philip Le Masurier

Ready to spice things up? 

These essential spice recipes won’t just up the tasty factor on any dish you make, they’re also loaded with health benefits. 

1. Ras el hanout

Best for: Soups, stews, meat dishes, fish dishes
Body benefit: The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and cinnamon

Ingredients
1 tbs coriander seeds
1 tbs cumin seeds
4 green cardamom seeds
½ tsp white peppercorns
Pinch rose petals
Pinch saffron
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Method
Grind everything into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

2. Baharat blend 

Best for: Savoury dishes and stews, especially lamb
Body benefit: Cumin seeds are rich in iron – see them as your secret energy source

Ingredients
1 dry chilli
2 tsp coriander seeds
4 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp white pepper
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cardamom

Method
Preheat oven to 170°C. Place chilli on a tray with coriander and cumin, roast for 6 minutes. Remove, cool, then grind into a powder. Mix with the rest of the spices. Store in an airtight container.

3. Persian Potion

Best for: Tea infusions and stewing fruit
Body benefit: Fennel has been used for years to help aid digestion, relieving bloating, flatulence and colic.

Ingredients
4 dried limes
2 heaped tbsp whole fennel seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
2 cardamom pods
1 clove
1 bay leaf

Method
Place all ingredients in a bag and, using a mallet, smash them around a little to crack. Then store in an airtight container. If making tea, use one tablespoons per person.

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