Yemeni Spice Mixture (YEMENI HAWAYEJ)

Hawayej means “gathered stuff” in Yemen and describes a spice mixture that is mainly used for soups.

MAKES ABOUT 1¼ CUPS (125 G)

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup (35 g) black peppercorns
• ⅓ cup (15 g) coriander seeds
• ⅓ cup (30 g) cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Toast the whole spices in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Let the spices cool, then transfer them to a food processor or spice grinder and process until finely ground.
3. Transfer the ground spices to a bowl.
4. Stir in the turmeric and cinnamon.
5. Store the spice mixture airtight in a glass jar.
6. Keep the jar in a cool dark place for up to one year, possibly longer