Dukkah Spice Blend & Yogurt Dip
Homemade Dukkah Spice & Yogurt Dip
How to Make Dukkah Seasoning & Dukkah Yogurt Dip
This homemade dukkah seasoning can be turned into an irresistibly flavorful dip, or used to season cuts of meat! Made with hazelnuts, pistachios, fennel, sesame, cumin, and coriander, it’s rich with fragrant, nutty, savory goodness. Learn how to make a dukkah spice blend and a simple dukkah yogurt dip for snacking.
What is dukkah made of? Is it the same as za’atar?
Dukkah seasoning is an Egyptian and Middle Eastern spice blend, made from a mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices like coriander and cumin. Za’atar, on the other hand, is made of herbs like oregano and thyme, spices like sumac or marjoram, and sesame seeds. Both are deliciously fragrant and savory, yet they have unique flavor profiles.
What does dukkah spice taste like?
A dukkah spice blend has a toasted, nutty, savory flavor, with a hint of zest from the black peppercorns. Plus, it has a satisfyingly crunchy texture from the nuts! Typically, dukkah seasoning is served alongside olive oil and bread for dipping. Or, you can add dukkah to yogurt to make a creamy dukkah yogurt dip served with pita or fresh veggies.
Dukkah Spice Blend Ingredients
Hazelnuts
Pistachios
Fennel seeds
Sesame seeds
Dried peppercorns
Cumin, ground
Coriander, ground
Cayenne, ground
Salt
Substitution Notes
- Nuts: You can make dukkah seasoning with all sorts of nuts—some recipes toast up to 3-4 different nuts. I went with hazelnuts and pistachios, but you could also add or substitute others like almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts.
- Seeds: Both fennel seeds and sesame seeds tend to be staples in homemade dukkah spice blend recipes! Some recipes don’t use fennel, but just about all include sesame seeds. You can also add other seeds like sunflower seeds, or whole cumin or coriander seeds (instead of ground).
- Pepper: I find that black peppercorns add the most rich and potent flavor into this spice mixture, but you can also use ground or cracked black pepper instead.
- Spices: The trio of cumin, coriander, and cayenne are a savory, zesty, classic combination for dukkah seasoning! Again, you can use whole cumin seeds and coriander seeds instead of ground, if preferred. Also, feel free to add other flavorings if you like—such as ground allspice, red pepper flakes, or even dried mint.
How to Make Dukkah Seasoning at Home
Making your own dukkah spice blend couldn’t be easier! First, gradually toast your nuts and seeds in a pan over the stove for a few minutes, to ‘wake up’ their natural flavors and aromas. Next, pulse those toasted nuts and seeds in a food processor with your ground spices, until they’re finely chopped (but not a powder or paste). Finally, transfer to an airtight container to store for 1-2 months!
How to Use Dukkah Seasoning
This savory, nutty dukkah seasoning can be used in all sorts of ways. For a classic presentation, serve your dukkah spice blend in a bowl alongside a bowl of olive oil, then dunk bread into the oil and then dukkah for a flavorful dip. Also, you can use dukkah like a dry rub or crunchy coating on cuts of fish, chicken, or beef! Or, try my personal favorite: a dukkah yogurt dip.
Dukkah Yogurt Dip Ingredients
- Plain yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Dukkah seasoning
A dukkah yogurt dip is a creamy, tangy dip that combines cool yogurt with savory dukkah flavors. Simply combine yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl, then scoop a few tablespoons of dukkah on top. Undeniably delicious served with pita bread, my herby almond flour crackers, a vegetable crudite platter, or alongside a meat and cheese charcuterie board!
To see how this dukkah seasoning and yogurt dip are made, watch my DIY Charcuterie Boards video!
Homemade Dukkah Spice Blend
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup hazelnuts
- 3 Tbsp pistachios
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp dried peppercorns
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- pinch of cayenne
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add pistachios and fennel seeds and toast for another minute, continuing to stir.
- Add sesame seeds and peppercorns for another minute, stirring continuously. (Keep an eye on it to make sure it does not burn!)
- Remove from heat and add toasted nuts and seeds to a food processor, along with remaining ground spices. Pulse into a crumble. (Do not let it blend into a paste or become too fine of a powder.)
Dukkah Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ½ lemon, juiced
- drizzle of olive oil
- 2-3 Tbsp dukkah seasoning, (see recipe above)
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl, stirring to integrate.
- Add a few tablespoons of dukkah spice mixture on top and serve with your favorite dippers!