Tabil – Tunisian Dry Spice Mix – Flavors of Tradition

I have a HUGE love for tradition; it has always been my life’s anchor, but also my wings. Tradition contains so many pieces of life; pieces of love, wisdom, respect, magic, security and hope…

Growing up without a mother made me appreciate tradition and its power of bringing our family together. I saw it has the qualities of a life guide, a parent, a MOTHER and I welcomed it into my life. Tradition is the story that existed way before we were born and it will continue to exist way after we are gone. Isn’t it AMAZING! But even beyond that, tradition invites us to become part of it and to take it into our lives. By participating we create more tradition and we keep it alive. When our own life stories are weaved into tradition, WE become tradition.

Now, take this awesome concept of tradition and see how it comes to life in this Tunisian spice mix called “Tabil”… Many cultures have their own unique traditional spice blends that proudly represent the flavors of their cuisines and traditions: “Garam Masala” and Curry Powder from India, “Ras el Hanout” from Morocco, “Baharat” from the Middle East, Herbs de Provence from south of France, Chinese Five Spice from Asia, Jerk Spice from Jamaica and many more examples… They all have the ability to carry tradition in the form of flavors, but each one of them is made from a specific combination of ingredients. What makes each spice blend unique is that each spice blend recipe differs from one family to another. Even within the same spice blend, each family gets to put its personal tradition print by deciding the ratio and the sometimes even the ingredients. Take “Tabil” for example, you can find many variations to this Tunisian spice mix: some do not have the fennel seeds at all and some add cinnamon to the blend. Throughout the years I created my own recipe to “Tabil”.

“Tabil” has a unique sweet warm taste and aroma and is used in many dishes; from meat patties, or kabobs to traditional stews and warm salads. It is also awesome on fish or chicken and it is amazing as a spice rub! It can also be use as a topping to Labneh, Focaccia or even Challah bread… Because of its unique ingredients a little goes a long way, so I use just a little bit to get a big flavor effect.

You will need:

2 tbsp. Dry Rose Petals

1 tbsp. Caraway Seeds

1 tbsp. Coriander Seeds

1 tsp. Fennel Seeds

1 tsp. Cloves

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Turmeric

Let’s do this!

The spice mix can be ground in an electric spice grinder or by hand.

Place the caraway seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cloves in a small pan and toast them on medium heat for a few minutes, make sure to toss them around. Once you start smelling their aroma, they are ready. It takes about 5-6 minutes.

I use a hand spice grinder. Put the toasted caraway seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cloves in the small bowl add the dry rose petals and grind them together until they are fine and unified.

Add the cumin and turmeric and blend together.

The “Tabil” is ready!

Store in a little sealed jar. Keep your spice mix in the freezer to keep its freshness of aroma and flavors

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Quick Recipe:

Tabil Mix-

Lightly toast Caraway Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Fennel Seeds and Cloves for 5-6 minutes.

Grind the toasted spices with the Dry Rose Petals until fine and unified.

Add Cumin and Turmeric and blend well.

Store in a small sealed glass in the freezer.