Xawaash Spice Mix Jamie Oliver recipes

June 01,2024

The mix of flavours in Xawaash spice mix is truly the flavour of the Indian Ocean..
Xawaash (pronounced HA-wash) comes from the Arabic word hawaij, which is used to describe Yemeni spice blends. Xawaash touches just about every Somali dish. It’s like the garam masala of Somalia, and the mix of flavors is truly the flavor of the Indian Ocean. Each Somali home cook prepares hers differently. This is how Hawa prepares hers. She always makes a large batch so she has it on hand to add to dishes as she cooks, adding layers of deep, warm flavors to everything from Digaag Qumbe (Chicken Stew with Yogurt and Coconut, page 73) to Bariis (Basmati Rice Pilaf with Raisins, page 87), Suugo Suqaar (Pasta Sauce with Beef, page 90), and Somali Beef Stew (page 93). You can also toss it on vegetables or chicken before roasting or use it as a dry rub on any type of meat before grilling.