Sauces, African, Tunisia

Tabil - Traditional Tunisian Spice Mix

by Amine Mansour

Tabil is an essential, aromatic spice blend from Tunisia, often referred to simply as 'seasoning.' This versatile mix highlights the earthy notes of coriander and caraway, balanced with the warmth of crushed red pepper and the complex depth of ras el hanout, making it perfect for stews, rubs, and vegetable dishes.

Total Time

1 hour 30 mins

Difficulty

Medium

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Chinese (Traditional)

Simple Tasty Recipes

Ingredients for 10 Servings

1/2 cup

Coriander seeds
4 tablespoons, chopped

Fresh garlic
2 tablespoons

Caraway seeds
2 tablespoons

Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon

Ras el hanout spice mix

Time

Preparation Time

15 mins
Cooking Time

1 hour 15 mins
Total Time

1 hour 30 mins

Goes Great with

VEGAN COLORFUL CURRY STICKY RICE

rice

Ethiopian Green Beans and Potatoes

VEGAN VIETNAMESE RICE PAPER PIZZA

rice

VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES

rice

VEGAN SALAD WITH SOY MILK MAYONNAISE

Method

Combine the coriander seeds, chopped garlic, caraway seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.
Grind the mixture into a coarse paste or crumble-like consistency.
Spread the mixture thinly and evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) and dry for approximately 1 hour, stirring halfway through, until the moisture from the garlic has evaporated.
Remove from the oven, let it cool completely, then grind again until you achieve your desired level of fineness.
Stir in the ras el hanout spice mix and store the Tabil in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place for up to 4 months.

Notes:

Tabil is the secret weapon in Tunisian cooking. Ensure the garlic is fully dried in the oven to prevent the mixture from clumping or spoiling during storage. If you want a more intense flavor, lightly toast the coriander and caraway seeds in a dry pan before grinding.