Dukkah is a delightful Egyptian spice blend that adds a burst of flavor and texture to any dish. This aromatic mix of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices is traditionally served with olive oil and bread for dipping, making it a perfect appetizer or snack. The combination of crunchy hazelnuts and fragrant spices creates a unique and irresistible taste experience.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe, such as hazelnuts, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds, might not be commonly found in every pantry. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to check the spice aisle for these seeds and the nut section for the hazelnuts. Freshly toasted seeds and nuts will provide the best flavor for your dukkah.

Ingredients for Dukkah With Oil
Hazelnuts: These nuts add a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dukkah.
Sesame seeds: These tiny seeds contribute a nutty taste and a bit of texture.
Coriander seeds: These seeds offer a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the spice blend.
Cumin seeds: Known for their warm, earthy flavor, these seeds add depth to the dukkah.
Fennel seeds: These seeds provide a subtle licorice-like taste that complements the other spices.
Black peppercorns: These add a bit of heat and a pungent flavor to the mix.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dukkah.
Olive oil: Used for serving, it helps the dukkah adhere to the bread and adds a smooth, rich texture.
Technique Tip for Making Dukkah with Oil
When toasting the hazelnuts, make sure to keep a close eye on them and stir frequently to prevent burning. The nuts should turn a golden brown and release a fragrant aroma. For the seeds and spices, use a dry skillet and toast them just until they become fragrant, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Over-toasting can lead to a bitter taste. Let all ingredients cool completely before processing to ensure the dukkah has the right texture and flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
toasted hazelnuts - Substitute with toasted almonds: Almonds provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a comparable crunch and mild nutty taste.
toasted coriander seeds - Substitute with toasted caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor profile.
toasted cumin seeds - Substitute with toasted caraway seeds: Caraway seeds can mimic the warm, earthy notes of cumin.
toasted fennel seeds - Substitute with toasted anise seeds: Anise seeds provide a similar licorice-like flavor.
toasted black peppercorns - Substitute with toasted white peppercorns: White peppercorns offer a similar peppery heat and complexity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and similar consistency, making it a good alternative for serving.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- To keep your dukkah fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly.
- Place the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help preserve the aromatic oils in the spices and nuts.
- For longer storage, consider refrigerating the dukkah. The cool temperature will help maintain its freshness for up to three months. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.
- If you want to freeze dukkah, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date to keep track of its shelf life.
- When you're ready to use frozen dukkah, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Give it a quick stir to redistribute any settled ingredients before serving.
- Avoid storing dukkah with olive oil mixed in. Instead, keep the olive oil separate and add it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out dukkah to prevent contamination and moisture from spoiling the mix.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a small skillet over low heat.
- Add the dukkah mixture to the skillet.
- Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the mixture is warmed through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with olive oil and bread.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the dukkah evenly on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
- Once warmed, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with olive oil and bread.
Microwave Method:
- Place the dukkah in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is warmed through.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as the nuts and seeds can burn easily.
- Serve immediately with olive oil and bread.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the dukkah on a small baking tray.
- Place the tray in the toaster oven and heat for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even warming.
- Remove from the toaster oven and let it cool slightly before serving with olive oil and bread.
Double Boiler Method:
- Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer.
- Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the dukkah to the bowl and stir gently until warmed through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with olive oil and bread.
Best Tools for Making Dukkah with Oil
Skillet: Used to toast the hazelnuts, sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns over medium heat.
Food processor: Utilized to pulse the toasted hazelnuts, seeds, and spices until coarsely ground.
Spatula: Handy for stirring the nuts and seeds while toasting to ensure even browning.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the hazelnuts, sesame seeds, and olive oil.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and salt.
Serving bowl: Used to present the dukkah alongside olive oil and bread for dipping.
Cooling rack: Ideal for letting the toasted nuts and seeds cool down before processing.
Bread knife: Useful for slicing bread to serve with the dukkah and olive oil.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-toast ingredients: Toast hazelnuts and seeds in bulk ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Use a spice grinder: A spice grinder can quickly process the seeds and spices to the desired texture.
Batch processing: Make a larger batch of dukkah and store it for future use.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Food processor efficiency: Use a food processor to quickly pulse the toasted ingredients together.

Dukkah (with oil)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup hazelnuts toasted
- ¼ cup sesame seeds toasted
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds toasted
- 2 tablespoons cumin seeds toasted
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds toasted
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns toasted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Toast the hazelnuts in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- In the same skillet, toast the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Let cool.
- Place the toasted hazelnuts, seeds, and spices in a food processor. Add salt and pulse until coarsely ground.
- Serve the dukkah with olive oil and bread for dipping.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
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