Nutmeg Free Moroccan-Spiced Herb Oil
Warm, fragrant, and impossibly versatile, this herb oil brings the soul of North African cooking straight to your kitchen counter. Gently infused garlic oil forms the base, then a carefully balanced spice blend — cumin, paprika, coriander, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and a whisper of cayenne — gets stirred in while the oil is still warm, coaxing out every last bit of flavor. Fresh parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, and zest go in last, keeping the herbs bright and the whole thing tasting alive rather than muddy. Many warming spice blends lean on nutmeg as a shortcut for depth, but this recipe builds that same complexity through a thoughtful lineup of aromatics that genuinely don't need it. The technique is straightforward — low heat, a quick strain, a patient stir — and the payoff is a glossy, jewel-toned oil that looks like it came from a specialty shop. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled flatbread, or a bowl of hummus and watch it disappear fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the oil base
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
Spice blend
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp fine salt
Fresh herbs
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- 1
Combine the ground cumin, sweet paprika, ground coriander, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and fine salt in a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- 2
Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and add the crushed garlic cloves. Warm over low heat until the oil is fragrant and small bubbles form steadily around the garlic, about 4–5 minutes — do not let the garlic brown. Remove from heat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!