North African Spice Rub Recipes

GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH NORTH AFRICAN SPICE PASTE

Steps:

• Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking with medium-hot charcoal.
• Coarsely grind chiles, spice seeds, garlic, and peppercorns in grinder or with mortar and pestle, then stir together with salt and oil in a bowl to form a spice paste. Rub paste all over chicken.
• Oil grill rack, then grill chicken, skin sides down first, over coals, turning over occasionally and moving around if flare-ups occur, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes total.
• Move chicken to area with no coals underneath, arranging chicken so that thicker sides are closest to coals, then cover with inverted roasting pan and grill, turning chicken over once, until just cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

HARISSA POWDER

Steps:

• Remove and discard stems and seeds from dried chiles. Slice chiles in half or quarters, if they are large.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add chiles and heat through to ensure all the moisture has evaporated. Remove and place on a rack to cool. Place cumin seeds, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, and peppercorns to skillet. Stir seeds and toast until fragrant but not burning, about 3 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
• Grind chiles and toasted seeds with a mortar and pestle into a coarse powder. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, smoked salt, parsley, and oregano. Continue to blend until all spices are completely combined and pulverized.

NORTH AFRICAN INSPIRED RUB FOR FISH AND CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• Combine all the spices in a small bowl. Brush both sides of fish fillets or chicken breasts with oil. Rub 1 side of the fish fillets or chicken breasts with the rub and grill, rub side down, until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 4 minutes. Flip over and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Click here for Bobby's Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken.

NORTH AFRICAN DRY RUB

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients.

NORTH AFRICAN SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Store in a sealed container.

GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH NORTH AFRICAN SPICE RUB

Steps:

• For Yogurt Sauce:
• Whisk yogurt, chopped cilantro and minced garlic in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper.
• For Spice Rub:
• Combine chopped onion, chopped garlic cloves, caraway seeds, ground coriander and cayenne pepper in bowl of processor. Process until onion and garlic are very finely chopped and past forms.
• Spread spice rub on each side of swordfish steaks, dividing equally. (Yogurt sauce and spice rub-coated fish can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Brush grill or broiler pan and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Grill or broil swordfish steaks until fish is just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plates. Top with dollop of yogurt sauce; garnish with lime wedges and serve.