Heavenly Lebanese 7 Spice Blend Recipe
Are you tired of using the same old spices in every recipe? Do you want to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! As an Israeli chef specializing in Lebanese cuisine, I am excited to introduce you to a recipe that will transform your dishes — Lebanese 7 Spice Blend.
This spice blend is a combination of seven different spices commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine: cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and ground fenugreek. The use of this unique combination of spices is what makes this blend so special.
In Arabic, this delightful mix is called “Sabaa Baharat,” which means “Seven Spices.” It is a popular spice blend used not just in Lebanon but throughout the Middle East. By adding Lebanese 7 Spice Blend to your recipes, you can create exotic flavors that will tickle your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Beirut.
In this article, I will show you how easy it is to make this spice blend at home with just a few ingredients. I’ll guide you through the ingredient list, share some tips and tricks for perfect results, and answer some frequently asked questions about Lebanese 7 Spice Blend.
So why stick to the basics when you can add some Middle Eastern flavor to your meals? Let’s get started on creating the perfect Lebanese 7 Spice Blend together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of using the same bland spices in your dishes? Look no further than the Lebanese 7 Spice Blend. This spice mix is a game changer in any dish – from meat to vegetables to rice.
First off, let’s talk about the ingredients. This blend combines warm and earthy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with savory ones like allspice and black pepper. The ginger and ground fenugreek add just the right amount of kick to round out the flavor profile. Trust me, this is a combination you won’t find anywhere else.
But what really sets the Lebanese 7 Spice Blend apart is its versatility. You can use it to season chicken, beef or lamb, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for a flavor boost. The spice mix also works wonders in marinades and sauces giving any meal a Middle Eastern touch that’s sure to impress.
Another great aspect of this recipe is its simplicity. In just a few minutes, you can create a homemade seasoning blend that will make any dish taste gourmet. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it for future use.
Even if you’re not an experienced cook, with this spice mix you can create mouth-watering meals with ease. This could become your go-to spice blend once you’ve tried it.
Give it try and allow your taste buds to take over. With its unique blend of flavors and easy preparation, the Lebanese 7 Spice Blend is sure to become your new favorite go-to ingredient in your kitchen repertoire!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s review the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Lebanese 7 Spice Blend. Most of these spices are probably already in your pantry, but if not, you can easily find them at your local grocery store or online.
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Ground Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Ground Fenugreek
- 1 tablespoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Ground Clove
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
- 5 tablespoons Ground Allspice
Optional Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cardamom
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- Coriander
Note that when creating this flavorful 7 spice blend, you should take note of the balance of flavors. The combination of allspice, black pepper and cinnamon provides a subtle sweetness; whereas, the cloves and nutmeg add a woody aroma. When combined with cumin, coriander and paprika, the flavor becomes more complex and spicy.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all of the ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together and make the Lebanese 7 spice blend. Follow these instructions and soon you’ll have a fragrant and flavorful blend of spices to use in your cooking.
Step 1: Toasting the Spices
First, take a small skillet or frying pan and toast 2 tablespoons of whole coriander seeds over medium heat until fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and place them in a mortar or spice grinder, grinding them coarsely. Then, repeat the process with 2 tablespoons of whole cumin seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns.
Step 2: Combining the Spices
Once all the spices are toasted and ground, add them into a bowl. To this bowl, add 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon ground allspice, and 1 tablespoon ground ginger. Stir well to combine all the spices and create your Lebanese 7 spice blend.
Step 3: Storing Your Spice Blend
After making your seasoning mix, store it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat. This way your spice mix will retain its flavor for months!
This aromatic and versatile blend can transform any ordinary dish into something truly special. Try using it to season meat before roasting or marinating chicken skewers before grilling. This seven-spice mix is perfect for any Middle Eastern dish, adding an authentic flavor to soups, stews, or even rice dishes!
Now that you know how to make your own Lebanese 7 spice blend at home, the possibilities and culinary adventures are endless!
Substitutions and Variations
Lebanese 7 spice blend is a versatile and flavorful seasoning that you can use in a variety of dishes. And the great news is, if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are many substitutions and variations that you can use to make your own unique spice blend.
Let’s start with the spices in the Lebanese 7 spice blend. It typically includes ginger, ground fenugreek, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, and allspice. But if you’re missing one or two of these spices, don’t fret! You can easily substitute another spice without compromising on flavor. For example, if you don’t have ground fenugreek or clove, try using ground coriander instead. Or, if you’re out of allspice, a combination of equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will work wonders.
Additionally, the ratios of spices can also be adjusted to suit your preference. For those who love a bolder flavor profile, add more black pepper or nutmeg into the mix. Or perhaps you prefer a milder blend? In that case, reduce the amount of ginger and cloves.
If you are looking for a vegetarian version of this spice blend, simply remove the ground cloves from the recipe. Alternatively; to make it hotter than usual replace 1 tablespoon of black pepper with cayenne powder.
Finally, If you cannot find some of these spices in your local market or food store; it’s easy to make your own substitutions using readily available spices in your kitchen such as paprika, cardamom, and cumin.
The best part about creating your seasoning is that it allows for experimentation and personalization to achieve the exact flavor that suits your taste buds. By adding or subtracting quantities of certain spices, or mixing in new ones altogether –you may surprise yourself with just how delicious your new Lebanese seven-spice blend tastes!.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared your aromatic Lebanese 7 spice blend, it’s time to explore the many delicious ways to serve and pair it with a variety of dishes.
Firstly, this spice blend is a must-have ingredient for making traditional Lebanese recipes such as baked kibbeh or meat pies. It pairs perfectly with lamb, beef, chicken and fish in stews, kebabs and grills. Add a generous pinch to your marinade or rub it directly onto your protein before grilling, roasting or baking. The warm, sweet and earthy notes will awaken your taste buds.
You can also use this spice blend as a versatile seasoning in vegetarian dishes such as roasted vegetables or falafel. Add the spice blend to hummus or labneh for a Middle Eastern-inspired dip or spread. It’s also fantastic in lentil soup or chickpea stew!
For a burst of flavors, sprinkle Lebanese 7 spice blend onto your salad dressing or roasted nuts. Explore its sweet and savory combination by including it in your breakfast routine. Add it to your oatmeal with apples and maple syrup, sprinkle it onto your avocado toast, or use it as a seasoning for crispy home fries.
To complement the rich flavors of Lebanese 7 spice blend, pair it with full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. If wine is not your thing, try pairing this spice blend with a crisp Pilsner beer instead.
In short, let broad strokes of Lebanese 7 spice create an unforgettable journey into Middle Eastern cuisine with its versatility and myriad of culinary possibilities!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the fantastic qualities of the Lebanese 7 spice blend is that it can be made ahead, stored, and reheated for use in future culinary applications. After making the spice blend, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry for up to 6 months.
When wanting to use the Lebanese 7 spice blend later on, you can reheat it by gently toasting it in a skillet over low heat until fragrant before adding it to your recipe. Toasting the spices will awaken their flavors and enhance your dish’s overall taste.
Additionally, you can add the Lebanese 7 spice blend to marinades or dressings for salads and store them in an airtight container, covered, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Doing so enables you to infuse your favorite dishes with authentic Middle Eastern flavors without any added hassle.
When reheating dishes that contain Lebanese 7 Spice Blend, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then wrap your food portion in aluminum foil and place it into the oven for roughly 10-15 minutes or until heated all the way through. If using a microwave instead of an oven, set it on high for 20 seconds and check every five seconds until heated through.
Keeping your Lebanese 7 spice mix fresh and at hand makes it easier to incorporate its robust flavors into any dish you desire without compromising quality. Ensure always to use a clean spoon each time you work with spices to prevent moisture from entering them as this may affect how long they last.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect blend for Lebanese 7 Spice, a bit of guidance can go a long way. In this section, I will share some tips that will help you get the best taste and aroma out of each ingredient.
1. Invest in fresh spices: To ensure the most flavorful blend, make sure to get fresh spices. Spices that have been sitting in your pantry for too long lose their aroma and flavor, and they can easily ruin your recipe. As a rule of thumb, buy whole spices and grind them yourself as close to when you will use them as possible.
2. Don’t over-toast the spices: While toasting brings out the flavor of spices, be careful not to burn or overdo it as the flavors will become bitter. Be particularly careful with fennel seeds or they will dominate other flavors.
3. Measure precisely: Use measuring spoons and cups rather than estimating or eyeballing quantities. This helps ensure that every batch has the same level of flavor consistency.
4. Balance sweetness with bitterness: Seven spices are typically a combination of sweet, bitter, pungent and aromatic elements. While the mixture has a warm earthy aroma, it should never be too sweet or too bitter. Be careful when measuring nutmeg and clove since they are relatively stronger and can upset other flavors.
5. Use freshly ground black pepper: Avoid pre-ground pepper because its taste is flat and lackluster compared to freshly ground peppercorns.
6. Get creative with substitutions: If you don’t have all seven ingredients but would like to experiment with similar blends try swapping out cinnamon with Cassia bark or allspice berries or using ground coriander instead of cumin.
7. Store properly: Keep your spice blend in an airtight container away from sunlight to maintain freshness and longer shelf-life.
By following these tips while making Lebanese 7 Spice Blend at home, you can guarantee that your dishes will deliver authentic Middle Eastern aromas and flavors!
FAQ
Now that you know how to create the perfect Lebanese 7 Spice Blend, it’s time to address some commonly asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need. In this section, we will explore frequently asked questions about the ingredients, measurements, and substitutions in this recipe. So, let’s dive in!
What is Lebanese Seven Spices made of?
A blend of seven spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, ground coriander, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin, forms the base for a flavorful seasoning. Garam masala is included in this blend to enhance the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
What are Lebanese 7 herbs?
To add some depth and warmth to my recipe, I like to use a special blend of spices. This includes one tablespoon of ground allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. This combination of spices adds a unique flavor to the dish that is both fragrant and delicious.
Is Lebanese 7 spice the same as baharat?
The Lebanese seven spice mix is commonly known as “baharat,” which is the Arabic word for spices. Therefore, these terms are often used interchangeably to refer to this flavorful spice blend.
What is typical Lebanese seasoning?
Baharat is a commonly used seasoning blend in Middle Eastern cuisine. The name, which comes from the Arabic word for spices, refers to a blend of spices that is known as Lebanese seven-spice blend. While the specific ingredients may differ based on the region, typical components include allspice, black pepper, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and cardamom.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Lebanese 7 Spice Blend recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Middle Eastern flavors to their cooking. The combination of spices and flavors creates a unique and flavorful spice mix that can enhance any dish.
By making this spice blend at home, you not only have control over the ingredients but can also save money while experimenting with different ratios of spices to meet your preferences.
So why not try making Lebanese 7 Spice Blend at home with the easy-to-follow instructions and tips provided in this article? Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, tantalize your taste buds, and embark on a flavorful journey into the middle eastern cuisine.
Remember, there’s nothing quite like homemade spice mixes that allow you full control over flavor and freshness – so go ahead and give it a try!
Lebanese 7 Spice Blend Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon clove
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground fenugreek
- 1 tablespoon ground dry ginger
Instructions
- Mix spices well until completely blended. Store in an air tight container, and use as a seasoning or rub for meat or poultry.