Xawaash – Traditional Somali Spice Mix (full version 10–12 spices)
Traditional Xawaash recipe (or Xawaash spice mix, sometimes called "Hawaash"), a very popular Somali spice blend in the Horn of Africa, used in most Somali dishes: soups (maraq), stews, rice, meats, marinades…

Ingredients (for about 100–120 g of mix):
2 tbsp ground coriander
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground cloves
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp sweet paprika (or chili pepper to taste)

Preparation:
Mix all ground spices in a large bowl (if starting from whole spices, lightly toast them dry, then grind finely).
Pour the mixture into an airtight jar.
Store in a dry place, away from light.

Notes:
Some family recipes also use a bit of fenugreek or ground bay leaf, but not always.
Garlic and onion powders are characteristic of modern xawaash, especially in diaspora or urban cooking.

Traditional uses:
Fragrant Somali rice (bariis iskukaris)
Stews and soups (maraq, suqaar)
Marinated meats (grilled or sautéed)
Somali pasta (baasto)
Sambusa fillings