Ras el hanout is a spice mix found in varying forms in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It plays a similar role in North African cuisine as garam masala does in Indian cuisine. The name in Arabic means “head of the shop” and implies a mixture of the best spices the seller has to offer. Ras el hanout is used in many savory dishes, sometimes rubbed on meat or fish, or stirred into couscous, pasta or rice.