Ras el Hanout translates from the Arabic as "top of the shop," aptly describing this traditional Moroccan spice blend as the best spices the merchant has to offer. Ras el Hanout has no definitive recipe--it may contain up to 20 or more different ingredients. Our version, though simplified, captures the exotic essence of this North African blend. Use it to flavor a Moroccan tagine; blend it into a butternut squash soup to bring out its savory sweetness; mix with lemon and olive oil to form a chermoula marinade for fish; use it as a spicy dry rub for veal tenderloin or a rack of lamb.