How to Cook With Egyptian Spice Blend Dukkah, From Pilaf to Crusted Tofu

Egypt has given the world plenty of delicious foods. Take falafels, for example. The protein-packed balls of beans, chickpeas, herbs, and spices were likely first invented during the Pharaonic period, and today, they’re still enjoyed worldwide. There’s also everyone’s favorite creamy chickpea-based dip, hummus, and kofta, which is usually made from herbs, onions, and minced meat, but can also be made with plant-based protein. And on top of all of this, Egypt has also given us dukkah. The crumbly, nutty, aromatic blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, dukkah goes perfectly with everything from roasted vegetables to tofu to pizza. Find out some of our favorite ways to use dukkah, which is also known as duqqa or du’ah, in the tasty plant-based recipes below. 

What is dukkah made of?

There are no strict rules when it comes to dukkah. It can be made from a wide variety of ingredients, depending on what you have on hand in your kitchen, but in general, it includes a blend of toasted nuts (often hazelnuts, but almonds and pistachios are also frequently used), spices (usually coriander and cumin), seeds (often sesame seeds), and herbs (marjoram and thyme are popular choices). In this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish, for example, it’s made with hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne, and kosher salt.

You can use dukkah in many different ways, from a soup topping to an avocado toast extra, but one of the most common ways to enjoy the crunchy spice blend is with bread. You simply dip the bread in olive oil first, to provide a sticky coating, and then dip it into the dukkah. It’s delicious and simple and makes for a great snack or appetizer. When it comes to dipping, raw vegetables would also work well.

The Mediterranean Dish

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Is dukkah healthy?

Dukkah is a healthy dip choice because it’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. Nuts like hazelnuts and pistachios, for example, are rich in protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E and magnesium. Seeds are also protein and fiber-rich, and the spice and herb blend provides potent plant compounds, too.

Cumin and coriander, for example, both contain flavonoids. These are phytochemicals that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. “Studies show that consuming flavonoids is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and cognitive decline,” Christine Byrne, MPH, RD, Christine Byrne recently told VegNews. “In your body, flavonoids help regulate your blood pressure, prevent plaque buildup in your brain, and reduce inflammation in your brain.”

Vegan recipes with dukkah

There are many different ways to enjoy dukkah. Below, we’ve picked a few of our favorite plant-based recipes to make with the versatile, nutritious, and delicious Egyptian blend.

1 Vegan Butternut Squash Salad With Dukkah

This nutritious salad from the Vegan Everything cookbook is bursting with delicious texture and flavor, thanks to the mix of spicy jalapeños, dukkah, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley with butternut squash and couscous. It’s a tasty, simple dish that’s perfect for healthy midweek lunches or dinners./
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Oliver Barth

2 Riced Cauliflower Bowl With Chickpeas and Pistachio Dukkah

In this dish from the Smart Plants cookbook, dukkah is made with a tasty blend of pistachios, fennel seeds, cumin, black sesame seeds, and salt. Together with ingredients like coconut milk yogurt and fresh lemon juice, it takes the mix of cauliflower florets, garbanzo beans, and baby spinach to the next level.
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Piquant Post

3 Flatbread Pizza with Dukkah, Carrots and Vegan Yogurt

Pizza is delicious with vegan cheese and tomato sauce, sure. But if you feel like mixing things up a bit, this flatbread version of the traditional Italian dish with dukkah, carrots, and vegan yogurt is “delectable, plant-based, and surprisingly simple,” notes recipe blog Piquant Post. 
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Lovely Jubley

4 Dukkah Spiced Courgette Fritters With Creamy Tahini Dip

Upgrade your midweek lunches with this super tasty mix of dukkah spiced courgette fritters and creamy tahini. “These courgette fritters can be made up in a big batch at the beginning of the week and kept in the fridge until you want them,” notes recipe blog Lovely Jubley. “Pop them in the oven to warm them up again. Just make sure they’re crispy and hot all the way through before serving.”
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Meatless Makeovers

5 Dukkah Crusted Tofu

Tofu is incredibly nutritious and versatile, but on its own, it has a pretty plain flavor. However, when coated in an almond-based dukkah mixture and baked, tofu transforms into a delicious treat, perfect for enjoying with your favorite Middle Eastern dip.
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Homemade Home

6 Dukkah Roasted Veggie Pilaf Bowl

This easy, nourishing veggie pilaf bowl is packed with nutritious whole-food ingredients, including cauliflower, mushrooms, pearl onions, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. Pumpkin seeds and dukkah add a tasty crunchy texture, and ingredients like lemon, garlic, and broth bring the flavor.
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Create Cook Share

7 Chickpea Vegetable Soup with Lemon and Dukkah

According to Create Cook Share, this chickpea vegetable soup with a tasty crumbly dukkah topping is like “liquid gold.” It’s a nutritious, hearty lunch option that will “fill and warm you to the core.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.