Ras el-hanout is an aromatic and flavoursome North African spice mix. It literally means 'head of the shop' as it is an expert blend prepared by a skilled shopkeeper comprising around a dozen carefully selected spices. Commonly used spices are cardamom, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, coriander, turmeric, paprika, fenugreek and chilli peppers.