Hawayej

Ingredients

 * 3 tb Black Peppercorns
 * 3 tb Cumin Seed
 * 2 tb Turmeric
 * 1 tb Ground Cardamom
 * 1 tb Ground Coriander

Directions

 * 1) Grind all the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container.
 * 2) Rub this spice blend devised by Zvia, an Afghan street vendor in New york, all over beef, pork, or chicken 2 hours prior to grilling. It also adds a pungent flavor to tuna, swordfish, bluefish, and bass; rub it on both sides of the steak or fillets about an hour before grilling.
 * 3) In both cases, the rub can be left on the meat or fish while grilling to make a blackened seasoned crust. It can also be stirred into boiled rice or summer soups to taste. Makes about 1/3 cup.