HAZEL

DUKKAH

What It Is A warm, aromatic nut‑and‑spice blend made with toasted hazelnuts, seeds and herbs. It is inspired by Egyptian dukkah but shaped to express Hazel’s character: deeper, sweeter and more woodland in tone. Hazel Dukkah is used as a finishing sprinkle, a crust for roasted vegetables or meats or a way to add warmth and texture to simple dishes.

Flavor / Character Nutty, toasty and gently spiced. The hazelnuts provide sweetness and depth; sesame seeds add warmth; coriander and cumin bring a soft earthiness; and a pinch of salt ties everything together. The texture is coarse and crumbly, never powdery, so it adds both flavor and crunch.

Uses Scattered over roasted carrots, squash or mushrooms; pressed onto chicken or fish before roasting; stirred into yogurt or labneh; sprinkled over salads; or used as a topping for hummus, soups and grain bowls. It can also be mixed with olive oil to create a quick dipping sauce for bread. In Hazel’s culinary world, it acts as a savory counterpoint to the sweeter preparations like praline and gianduja.

How to Make or Prepare To make Hazel Dukkah at home, roast hazelnuts at 325°F (165°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until fragrant, then rub off most of the skins. Toast sesame seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until aromatic. Once cooled, pulse everything together in a food processor or crush with a mortar and pestle until the mixture is coarse but cohesive. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Store in an airtight jar in a cool cupboard; the blend keeps its aroma for several weeks, though the hazelnut oils will eventually soften the spices.

Notes The proportions can be adjusted depending on how nut‑forward you want the blend to be. A higher percentage of hazelnuts creates a richer, more woodland flavor; more sesame and spice produces a lighter, more traditional dukkah. A small amount of crushed fennel seed or black pepper can shift the blend toward a more herbal or sharper profile if desired.

Cross‑References Hazel Pesto; Hazel Crust Mix; Whole Hazelnuts; Hazel Feast‑Day Menu; Hazel Pantry.