Seasonings & Spice Blends
Somali Spice Blend
Xawaash
Somalia
The foundational Somali spice blend; a heady combination of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, cloves, and turmeric; the word literally translates as 'spices' in Somali; used in bariis iskukaris, suqaar, and almost every savory dish; the seasoning that defines Somali cuisine; every family has its own ratio; the soul of Somali cooking.

Original eatfuls sticker artwork
What it is
A closer look at Somali Spice Blend.
The foundational Somali spice blend; a heady combination of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, cloves, and turmeric; the word literally translates as 'spices' in Somali; used in bariis iskukaris, suqaar, and almost every savory dish; the seasoning that defines Somali cuisine; every family has its own ratio; the soul of Somali cooking.
What to look for
Know it when you find it.
The blend should combine cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and turmeric; the word means 'spices' in Somali; used in almost every savory dish; every family has its own ratio; the seasoning that defines Somali cuisine; found at every market and home; the soul of Somali cooking.
Where it belongs
Origins and
traditions.
Food rarely respects a border. These are the places the dataset connects most strongly to Somali Spice Blend.
Names around the table
One food, more than one name.
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