Xawaash – Somali Spice Mix
- Soomaali
- Xawaash
- Français
- Xawaash – Mélange d’épices somali
- العربية
- حوائج – بهارات صومالية
By Leila & Abdullahi · ·
Xawaash (pronounced Hawash) comes from the Arabic word Hawa’ij (حوائج). Hawa’ij can be translated as ‘requirements’ or ‘essentials’. For example, there are the essentials accompaniments for Arabic coffee, Hawa’ij al-Qahwa (حوائج القهوة). The Hawa’ij spice mix is believed to have originated in Yemen.
In the southern regions of Somalia, Xawaash refers to the spice mix that is added to savoury dishes: meats, stews, soups, etc. However, in the northern parts of Somalia, Xawaash is used in a broader sense and it refers to any spice mix, even the spices that are added to tea and coffee.
Keep in mind that the types of spices used and their proportions are not cast in stone. There are regional variations dictated by personal taste as well as the availability of certain spices.
The use of the aromatic Xawaash is what gives Somali food its unique character and flavour.
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Ingredients
1 cup = 237 mL · 1 Tbsp = 15 mL · 1 tsp = 5 mL. All are level measurements.
Xawaash
Method
Tap a step to mark it done.
Xawaash Ingredients Steps for preparing the spice mix Put all the spices, except the turmeric, in a pan set over medium heat.
Toast and stir for about 4 to 5 minutes or until you smell the spices. Do not burn. It is better to under-toast rather than to over-toast.
Cool down the toasted spices.
Transfer to a spice grinder.
Grind very well.
Grind in batches.
Sift then regrind any coarse spices.
Add the turmeric powder.
Store the spice mix in an airtight jar.
Using a mortar and pestle to grind the spice mix Place all the spices, except the turmeric, in the mortar
Grind well with the pestle
Grind in small batches
Sift then regrind any coarse grains. Add the turmeric powder and store in an airtight jar.
Comments
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Where can I buy the Chicken Bouillon Powder you guys use?
Hi I love ur recipes, I live in Canada I would like to buy the xawash bouillon powder please tell me where to buy please thanks
Greetings from East Africa.
Thank you for your blog. It has made my Somali husband very happy.
Question: I thought I saw one time that you made Xawaash Vegetable Seasoning. I looking to reduce chemicals in our diets and want to take out Maggi. Can you tell me how to make Xawaash Vegetable Seasoning?
Thank you in advance.
Nabad iyo Caano, Lula
As salaam wu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakahtu. I really appreciate and value your work and effort in establishing this site and the youtube channel. It has been of benefit to me. Shukraan. May Allah azza wa jal reward you with abundant good for it.
Fee amin Allah
Wa salaam wu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakahtu.
Thank you very much for heartwarming comment. God bless you.
Hello,
I wanted to know is Xawaash Bouillon Powder and Xawaash spice mix the same? If not what are the recipes?
Thanks
Here is the link for the the xawaash spice mix recipe /recipes/xawaash-somali-spice-mix/. Xawaash bouillon powder is a stock mix.