Duqqa

Duqqa, sometimes spelled as du'ah, do'a, or dukkah, is a delightful condiment that enjoys significant popularity in Egypt and the Middle East. This flavorful blend of herbs, nuts, and spices is often savored as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables, making it an ideal appetizer. When strolling through Cairo's spice markets, you will likely encounter pre-made duqqa sold in paper cones, ready to be taken home.

A basic recipe for duqqa might include crushed mint, salt, and pepper. However, packaged versions often incorporate ingredients such as roasted wheat flour, cumin, and caraway. Duqqa has been a staple in the cuisine of the Hejaz region for many years.

The name "duqqa" derives from the Arabic word for "to pound" which is fitting since the unique, textured mixture is created by pounding together dry-roasted spices and nuts. While recipes can vary, some common ingredients include sesame seeds, coriander, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Traditional recipes might also call for marjoram, mint, za'atar, chickpeas, and occasionally nigella seeds, millet flour, or dried cheese. Contemporary variations might introduce pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a modern twist.

The popularity of duqqa is extending beyond Egypt. In the United States, it has appeared on cooking shows like Top Chef, Chopped, and Iron Chef America. In Australia, several companies produce their own duqqa blends in a variety of flavors. This trend is partly due to the influence of Lebanese and Arabic communities and the visibility provided by cooking shows on the SBS Food Network. Nowadays, you can find duqqa in supermarkets, specialty stores, and farmers' markets around the world.