$13.95
If you have ever put a small bowl of dukkah on the table alongside good olive oil and fresh bread and watched what happens, you already understand why it earns its place at every gathering. Dukkah is an Egyptian spice and nut blend that has made itself completely at home in the Australian kitchen over the past few decades, and Pukara Estate’s version is one of the finest expressions of it available. Built on a majority of cashews for a creamier, rounder character than the more traditional hazelnut base, and lifted by the subtle warmth and gentle sweetness of roasted onion, turmeric, mixed spice, and sesame seeds, this is a dukkah with genuine depth and a beautiful golden colour that earns its spot as the centrepiece of any bread and olive oil spread. Made by Pukara Estate in the Hunter Valley with the same commitment to freshness and flavour that defines everything they produce.
Warm, nutty, and gently aromatic with the distinctive creaminess of cashews giving the blend a softer, richer character than a traditional seed-heavy dukkah. The roasted onion brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spice, turmeric adds an earthy warmth and that beautiful golden hue, and the mixed spice threads a quiet complexity through the whole blend without any single note dominating. The sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and a faint toasty depth that ties everything together. Flavoursome and approachable, this is a dukkah that works on absolutely everyone at the table regardless of how adventurous they consider themselves.
The traditional approach remains the best introduction: dip good crusty bread first into quality extra virgin olive oil, then press into the dukkah so it coats the surface and eat immediately. It is one of those combinations that does not require improvement. Beyond the bread bowl, press generously into veal or lamb cutlets brushed with olive oil before BBQing and serve with a braised capsicum and olive stew for a dinner that tastes like the Hunter Valley. Sprinkle over poached eggs with rocket and a drizzle of caramelised balsamic for a breakfast plate that looks like a restaurant put it together. Press onto a piece of salmon before pan-frying for a nutty, golden crust, scatter over couscous with chopped dried apricots and fresh herbs, or use as a crumb coating for baked cauliflower steaks drizzled with tahini.
The Classic Bread and Olive Oil Dip is the recipe that needs no further instruction, just quality olive oil in a shallow bowl, a generous pile of dukkah alongside, and good bread torn and ready. Dukkah-Crusted Lamb Cutlets brushed with olive oil, pressed into the blend, and grilled over high heat until golden is one of the most straightforward impressive dinners imaginable. Poached Eggs on sourdough with rocket, a scatter of dukkah, and a drizzle of Pukara Caramelised Balsamic is a brunch plate that earns every compliment it receives. Pressed onto a Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet it creates a golden, nutty crust with a warmth and depth that plain breadcrumbs will never come close to. And stirred through warm couscous with dried apricots, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon it makes a side dish that works with absolutely anything coming off the grill.
Contains nuts and sesame seeds. Manufactured on equipment that processes nuts. Not suitable for those with nut or sesame intolerances. Made by Pukara Estate, Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Please refer to product packaging for full allergen information.
Ingredients: Sesame Seeds, Cashews (51%), Onion (7%) [Dried Shallots, Vegetable Oil], Turmeric, Mixed Spice, Salt.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
