Dukkah 101 – Spice, Crunch & Everything Nice

Q: What is Dukkah? A: Dukkah is a traditional Egyptian blend of toasted nuts, sesame seeds, and warm spices—often enjoyed by dipping bread in olive oil, then into the blend.

Q: What’s the easiest way to use Dukkah? A: Start with the classic dip (bread + olive oil + Dukkah), then try it on avocado toast, roasted veggies, or as a crust for chicken or tofu.

Welcome back to Seasoned Journeys—The Alchemy of Flavor. I’m Sylvia, and today, we’re cracking open a jar of something beautifully rustic, wildly flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Dukkah.

Imagine this—you’re tearing off a warm piece of bread, dipping it in golden olive oil, then into a mix of toasted nuts, sesame, and earthy spices. That aroma, that crunch, that warmth… that’s Dukkah. It’s more than just a spice blend; it’s a culinary experience, a moment of pure, simple pleasure.

In this episode, I’ll take you on a flavorful journey through its fascinating roots, how we meticulously craft it at USimplySeason, and most importantly, countless ways you can use it to turn the everyday into something extraordinary. We’ll cover a fantastic dinner recipe, some surprising snack hacks, and even touch on how Dukkah can inspire your creativity far beyond the kitchen. So, get ready to ignite your senses, because the magic of Dukkah is about to unfold.

Dukkah, from the Arabic word meaning “to pound,” has deep Egyptian roots, dating back centuries. Picture the vibrant, bustling street markets of ancient Cairo. Small vendors would set up simple stalls, grinding toasted hazelnuts, sesame seeds, coriander, and cumin with a touch of salt.

They’d offer little paper cones filled with this aromatic mixture, to be enjoyed alongside a simple flatbread and a pool of local olive oil. It was, and still is, a staple, a humble yet profound way to add flavor and sustenance to a meal. It speaks to a time when food was simple, communal, and deeply connected to the earth.

At USimplySeason, we passionately honored that tradition, but we also wanted to capture its essence for the modern kitchen. Our blend is a symphony of textures and flavors, starting with carefully roasted hazelnuts, crunchy almonds, and vibrant pistachios, alongside perfectly toasted sesame seeds for a nutty depth and satisfying pop.

This rich, complex base is woven together with a carefully balanced medley of aromatic spices, think warm cumin and bright coriander, and finished with a pinch of sea salt for balance. It’s rich, it’s nutty, it’s grounding, like the warmth of a desert sunset in spice form.

Can you smell it yet? That roasty, toasty aroma that hits the air the second you open the jar? It’s truly intoxicating. For me, just opening the jar transports me. It evokes memories of discovering new flavors, of shared meals, of that simple joy a perfect bite can bring. It’s a flavor profile that’s simultaneously ancient and incredibly current, adaptable to so many cuisines.

While its origins are Egyptian, Dukkah’s versatility has made it popular across the Middle East and increasingly, around the world. It’s a testament to how universally appealing simple, high-quality ingredients can be. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, Dukkah offers an immediate passport to a world of flavor.

And I’m curious—what’s the first thing you’d sprinkle Dukkah on? Is it avocado toast? Roasted veggies? Or maybe… something sweet? Keep that in mind—we’ll circle back to dessert later in the month.

Now, let’s turn this incredible spice into a meal. One of my favorite ways to showcase Dukkah is with something simple, crunchy, and universally crowd-pleasing. Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders.

Picture this… golden chicken, hot from the oven, the crust audibly crisp as you cut into it. The roasted hazelnuts give it body and a satisfying chew, the toasted sesame seeds a subtle pop and nutty sweetness, and the spices? They dance on your palate, offering warmth and complexity that’s far more sophisticated than your average breading. It’s weeknight magic, elevated.

Here’s how to make it, it’s deceptively simple. You’ll need about a pound of chicken tenders (or you can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips). First, lightly coat your chicken with olive oil. This acts as your adhesive for the Dukkah. Then, generously press each piece into a shallow dish of USimplySeason Dukkah to coat it well. Don’t be shy here; you want a good, thick layer of that glorious blend. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (about 200°C) for approximately 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are perfectly golden brown and cooked through. Serve it hot, perhaps with a cooling garlicky yogurt dip, a bright drizzle of lemon tahini, or just a squeeze of fresh citrus and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceousness. Dinner is done, and it feels gourmet!

A quick tip for maximum crispness, make sure your chicken pieces aren’t too crowded on the baking sheet. Give them a little space so the air can circulate, ensuring that beautiful, crunchy crust develops. And if you’re ever worried about overcooking, a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F.

This recipe is a canvas! Don’t feel limited to chicken. Try this. Swap the chicken for firm tofu, slices of halloumi cheese for a vegetarian delight, or even delicate salmon fillets for a pescatarian spin. The Dukkah crust works wonders on all of them. Imagine how incredible those earthy, nutty flavors would complement the richness of salmon!

And tell me…what would you serve it with? A hearty grain bowl with roasted vegetables? Warm flatbread and creamy hummus? Or perhaps a crisp, fresh cucumber and tomato salad to cut through the richness? The possibilities are endless.

Now here’s the thing I love most about Dukkah. It’s not just for elaborate meals, it’s for everyday moments, for those spontaneous cravings, for when you want to elevate a simple snack into something truly special. It’s for the alchemy of transforming the mundane. Here are three of my favorite “snack hacks” with Dukkah that have become rituals in my own kitchen.

THE CLASSIC DIP. Imagine a cozy Sunday afternoon, maybe you’re unwinding with a book. You have warm pita bread, perhaps fresh from the toaster or lightly warmed in the oven. A beautiful shallow dish of golden olive oil, and next to it, a generous pinch of our USimplySeason Dukkah. Dip the bread in the oil, then into the Dukkah. That’s soul food, pure and simple. It’s the original way, and it’s timeless for a reason.

AVOCADO TOAST UPGRADE. We all love avocado toast, right? But Dukkah takes it to a whole new level. Spread a thick layer of creamy smashed avocado on your favorite toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread. Then, instead of just salt and pepper, sprinkle generously with Dukkah. The creaminess of the avocado, the crunch and nutty depth of Dukkah, maybe a perfectly poached egg on top for added protein and richness. Try it tomorrow morning. I promise it’s a game-changer that will revolutionize your breakfast routine.

SWEET & SAVORY YOGURT PARFAIT. This one might surprise you, but trust me on this. Take a bowl of thick, creamy Greek yogurt. Drizzle with a little local honey, just a touch of sweetness. And then, here’s the magic, a spoonful of Dukkah sprinkled over the top. The balance of creamy, sweet, and that unique savory, nutty spice is… unexpectedly divine. It hits all the right notes…crunchy, creamy, sweet, and a little bit earthy. It’s truly a delight for the senses.

But don’t stop there! Think about sprinkling Dukkah over roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli right after they come out of the oven. It adds texture and a burst of flavor. Or how about tossing it with your popcorn for a savory twist on movie night? It’s also fantastic as a topping for soups, especially creamy lentil or squash soups, adding that crucial textural contrast.

What would your go-to Dukkah snack be? Would you stick with savory classics? Or are you secretly Dukkah-on-ice-cream curious? Yes, it can be done, and it’s surprisingly good! More on that another time.

And that’s our first, delicious stop on this month’s Dukkah journey. You can find our full Dukkah-Crusted Chicken recipe, along with many other inspirational ideas, on the website at usimplyseason dot com slash recipes. And of course, you can shop our signature USimplySeason Dukkah blend online directly from our site or conveniently on Amazon or Walmart Marketplaces.

If you try any of these tips or create your own Dukkah masterpiece, I’d absolutely love to see what you create. Tag us on Instagram or TikTok at USimplySeason and use hashtag DukkahDoneRight. Your kitchen just might inspire someone else’s, and we love to feature your creativity! Seeing how you bring our spices to life in your homes is truly the greatest reward.

In our very next episode, we’re going to follow one jar of Dukkah across a whole day of meals, from breakfast to a surprising, elegant dinner, and yes, even an unexpected sweet treat that you absolutely do not want to miss. It will open your eyes to the incredible versatility of this blend.

Until then, stay bold, stay curious, and as always, keep experimenting, keep creating, and remember: every meal is an opportunity for alchemy.