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Dukkah is a flavorful Egyptian condiment made from a mix of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices. You'll find yourself sprinkling this aromatic seasoning blend on everything or simply as a topping for bread dipped in olive oil.

Close up view of a glass container with Dukkah

Dukkah adds a crunch and burst of flavor to your dishes and you can customize it to your liking.

How I Discovered Dukkah
Where does Dukkah come from?
Ingredients for Pistachio-Coconut Dukkah
How to Make Dukkah
Can I Make Dukkah If I Don't Have a Spice Grinder?
What Can I Sprinkle My Homemade Pistachio Coconut Dukkah On?
Dukkah Recipe Variations and Substitutions
How long does Dukkah last?
More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How I Discovered Dukkah

Everyone who knows me knows that I'm totally obsessed with spices. What else would you call spending $300 at the Shuk (open market) in Jerusalem, in bulk spices only?? Some years ago, when I went back to Israel after several years away, I was like a kid in a candy store. My husband on the other hand... My husband was somewhere between a panic attack and a coronary. Money well spent though. He's definitely enjoying every single ounce!!

Surprisingly though, the first time I saw Dukkah wasn't at the Shuk. It was at Trader Joe's! I was browsing through the new product section when I picked up this beautiful round container filled with herbs, nuts, and spices. How this little gem had been hidden from me all these years, is beyond my comprehension!

Have you ever tried to create your own spice mix? Let us know, we would love to hear about it!

Where does Dukkah come from?

Dukkah (also spelled duqqa) is a spice blend first created in ancient Egypt and was originally used as a dip with pita bread and olive oil. The Arabic word translates "to pound" and the resulting texture is coarse and hearty rather than powdered or paste-like.

overhead image of the ingredients needed to make dukkah. Each ingredient is in its own small bowl and labeled with white text

Ingredients for Pistachio-Coconut Dukkah

Of course, I had to create my own mixture: fennel, coriander, cumin and sesame seeds, coconut, pistachios, and salt. Such a great combination of flavors! But really, you can be as creative as you want. You can add herbs like thyme or za'atar, nuts like hazelnuts or almonds, and seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. The combinations are endless. Keep on reading for even more ideas.

Fennel Seeds. A sweet and earthy licorice-like flavor
Coriander Seeds. A warming spice with nutty flavor and a slight hint of bright citrus
Cumin Seeds. A rich, earthy, and smoky flavor
Sesame Seeds. A bold nutty flavor and crunch
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut. A delicate texture with a tropical coconut flavor
Roasted and Shelled Pistachios. A buttery, toasty, comforting nutty flavor
Sea or Kosher Salt. You can use your favorite salt here. Just start small and add according to your salty preference

How to Make Dukkah

It is so easy to throw everything together, and toasting the seeds adds tons of flavor. Here are the step-by-step photos:

overhead image of fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds in a nonstick skillet

Toast the fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds

overhead image of fennel, cumin and coriander seeds in a clear glass mixing bowl

Place the toasted seeds in a bowl to cool

overhead image of fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds in a spice grinder

Add the toasted spices to a spice grinder

overhead image of fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds after being blended in a spice blender

Grind the spices

overhead image of shredded coconut being toasted in a nonstick skillet

Toast the shredded coconut

overhead image of ground fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds mixed in a small bowl with pistachios and sesame seeds

Combine all the ingredients, add pistachios and mix well

Can I Make Dukkah If I Don't Have a Spice Grinder?

That's no problem! You can also pulse the ingredients in a food processor. Do short pulses rather than just letting it whirl.
You can also use a coffee grinder, just make sure it is totally clean and free from any coffee grounds or scents.
If you like to really get involved, you can grind these ingredients together in a mortar and pestle. Remember, the name of this recipe means "to pound".
Toasting and grinding your own spices really makes a huge difference in texture and flavor, so we don't recommend using pre-ground spices. Seriously, you'll be so much more pleased with the results when you grind your own spices.

A small bowl with Dukkah next to a container filled half way with pistachio copconut dukkah

What Can I Sprinkle My Homemade Pistachio Coconut Dukkah On?

You can use it as a simple dip with bread and olive oil, sprinkle it on hummus, or any other dip you love. Add it to scrambled eggs or avocado toast.
I personally enjoy it sprinkled on salads (adds a little nuttiness and crunch), on soups (adds a pop of flavor), on roasted vegetables... well, on anything really! (obsessed, remember?).
Check out our roasted green beans with cranberries and dukkah
One of the greatest things about homemade spice blends is that they are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free so you can add this flavoring to so many dishes!

Dukkah Recipe Variations and Substitutions

You can make this recipe your own using your favorite flavors.

Nuts and Seeds. almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds
Herbs and Spices. mint, marjoram, nigella seeds, thyme, sumac, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, cayenne pepper

How long does Dukkah last?

Store your homemade spice blend in an airtight container like a mason jar in your pantry at room temperature for several weeks. Although, I think you'll eat it up much quicker than that!
If you want Dukkah to stay fresh longer store the spice blend in an airtight container and place it in the fridge.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

If you've gotten the itch to make even more custom spice blends at home, here are more recipes for you to try:

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