This recipe for Chermoula spice is a North African blend of herbs & spices, and is perfect for marinating meat or fish, adding flavour to stews and soups, or mixing with grilled vegetables or couscous.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links - This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. Please click here for further info*
If you're looking to spice up your cooking, you have to try this chermoula spice blend!
This North African spice blend is a staple in Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian cuisine and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a delicious kick of flavour.
You may think of chermoula as a wet sauce/condiment using fresh herbs, however, this version is a deliciously tasty dry rub that you can keep for months in an airtight container once you have made it and use to spice up any meat, fish or vegetable!
I love making my own spice blends as you know exactly what ingredients are in it. This Chermoula spice is dairy, gluten, egg and nut free.
Jump to:
🤔 What Is Chermoula Spice?
Chermoula spice is a North African seasoning mixture commonly used in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The exact ingredients and proportions can vary depending on the region and the recipe, but the result is a fragrant spice blend that can be used as a dry rub for meat or fish, added to stews or soups or used to coat grilled vegetables or couscous.
🥘 Ingredients Needed
The spice mix typically consists of a combination of herbs like dried coriander (cilantro) and dried parsley, garlic and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, and cinnamon.
You can also use the zest of some lemon to add an extra citrusy tang.
✏️ How To Make Chermoula Spice Blend
This has to be the easiest recipe ever, you simply measure out the ingredients, mix them together in a bowl and you are done!
🤔 Can I Use Whole Spices To Make Chermoula Spice Blend?
Yes, you can definitely use whole spices in a Chermoula spice rub. I have used ground spices for quickness and ease, however, using whole spices that are toasted and ground yourself can add a deeper and more complex flavour to the rub.
To use whole spices, you can first toast them in a dry skillet or frying pan over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly darker in colour. Be sure to keep the spices moving in the frying pan to prevent burning.
Once toasted, allow the spices to cool before grinding them in a spice grinder or pestle and mortar before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients.
If you don't have whole spices or the means to toast and grind them, you can still use pre-ground spices and the recipe will work just as well.
🥡 How To Store
You will need to store your chermoula seasoning in a sealed spice jar or airtight container.
You can either wash out an old spice jar and fill it with your spice mix once it is fully dry or use these fancy spice jars. Just be sure that whatever container you use is airtight.
If you are making a huge batch (this is the best way - then it will always be there when you need it) you can use an airtight Tupperware container.
Your spice mix will keep for up to a year as long as it's in a sealed container.
🍴 How To Use
Coat boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the spice blend and mix until the spices have coated the chicken.
Either grill the chicken or cook in the oven or the air fryer until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165˚C. Use a meat thermometer to check.
The spice blend also tastes great rubbed over grilled salmon or trout fillets or tossed together with a tray of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
You can also coat white fish in the chermoula spice and serve up some spicy & tasty fish tacos!
💬 FAQ
Chermoula spice rub is typically used to season meat or vegetables before cooking. Simply rub the spice blend onto the surface of the food, let it sit for a few minutes, and then grill, bake, or roast as desired.
Chermoula spice rub can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fish tacos, and even scrambled eggs. It adds a bold and flavourful kick to any dish.
💫 Love this recipe? It would be great if you could leave a 5 ⭐ rating and comment below! Thanks x 💫
📖 More Spicy Recipes...
Like this recipe? Check out these other similar recipes you will love.
📖 Recipe
Chermoula Spice Blend
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Pestle & Mortar optional
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon coriander leaf
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Measure out the herbs and spices in a small bowl.
- Sir with a spoon until all the herbs and spices are mixed together.
- Use as a rub over chicken, meat, fish or roasted vegetables.
Let me know what you think of this recipe!