Welcome to the world of spices, from spicy Mexican spices to Asian spices; each spice represents a rich history of culture and tradition. In the wide range of spices such as saffron spice, saba Baharat, and others, the Lebanese 7 spices stand as an ensemble of flavor packs. These 7 spices are like shining gems in a treasure trove waiting to wow your taste buds and take your dishes to new culinary heights. Picture your kitchen as such. Each spice offers a distinct flair to the culinary road, ranging from the fiery kick of paprika to the inviting embrace of cumin. So, grab your apron and join me for a savory adventure that will liven up your cooking and provide a little excitement to your daily meals.
What is Lebanese 7 Spice or Sabaa Baharat?
Before talking in detail about the 7 spices, let’s see what is 7 spices first. Sabaa Baharat, another name for Seven Spice, is an aromatic blend that reflects the taste of Middle Eastern cuisines. It creates an ideal balance of warmth and depth with an ensemble of garam masala, black pepper, coriander seeds, allspice, cinnamon, and other ground spices. Cardamom and cloves add their aromatic touch, and paprika offers a pop of color. Lastly, a hint of nutmeg rounds out the flavors, giving food a subtle yet enticing aroma. A common ingredient in many cuisines, this spice gives a flavorful kick to anything from soups and stews to meats and veggies. It is also known as the Lebanese 7 spice, a totally different spice from the Japanese seven spice.
Recipe for 7 Spices
The 7 spice recipe is the easiest, with just a handful of ingredients. So, let’s jump to the recipe without further ado to add a strong flavor profile to your dishes.
Ingredients for 7 Spices
- One tablespoon of allspice
- One tablespoon of pepper, black
- One tablespoon of paprika
- One teaspoon of cloves
- One tsp of cinnamon
- One teaspoon of cardamom
- One tsp of coriander seeds
- One tsp garam masala
- Half a teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions for 7 Spices
Below are the instructions:
Allspice
In a cool, dry skillet, start with 1 tablespoon of allspice. Stirring constantly, toast the allspice over low heat until aromatic. The flavor profile of all spices is broad, such as flavors of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.
Black Pepper
Add 1 tablespoon of black pepper to the skillet and roast it until it becomes aromatic. Black pepper balances out the other tastes in the mixture with a strong, fiery kick.
Paprika
Add 1 tablespoon of the brightly colored, subtly sweet paprika to the mixture. Paprika deepens the blend’s flavor character and improves its aesthetic appeal.
Cloves
Grind 1 teaspoon of cloves into a fine powder after toasting them until fragrant. Cloves give the mixture an aroma of sweetness and a warm, spicy taste to the 7 spices recipe.
Cinnamon
For a warm, earthy flavor, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the recipe. Cinnamon blends in wonderfully with the other spices and offers a comforting undertone.
Cardamom
For its flowery citrus undertones, add one teaspoon of cardamom. Cardamom gives the mixture a distinctive aroma and a hint of freshness.
Coriander Seeds for 7 Spices
Grind 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds fine after roasting them till aromatic. Coriander seeds give the mixture a light, zesty flavor along with a touch of heat to your 7 spices mix.
Garam Masala
Add a teaspoon of this complex spice blend (which contains cloves, coriander, and cumin) to your dish. The richness and depth of the 7-spice blend are enhanced by the garam masala.
Nutmeg for the 7 Spices
Finally, to add a warm, nutty aroma to the mixture, finely grate in half a teaspoon of nutmeg. A last flourish of complexity and sweetness is added by nutmeg.
Mixing
Transfer all of the ground and roasted spices into a bowl and mix well. To maintain its freshness and flavor, store the seven-spice mix in an airtight container in a cold, dry place.
Use and Elevate the Taste of Your Dishes
Add depth and richness to a range of recipes, including meats, vegetables, soups, and stews, by using this homemade Lebanese 7-spices blend. It can be used as a savory spice in other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, in addition to Lebanese cuisine. Additionally, feel free to play around with the spice ratios to tailor the mixture to your personal tastes. Savor the diverse aromas and tastes of this spice blend!
You can also check Yumna’s blog for a detailed recipe for 7 spices.
Conclusion
To sum up, this article covered the idea of 7 spices and how to make them. This simple recipe elevates Middle Eastern dishes to a new level. So, prepare this spice mix and enjoy the unique flavor of this spice.
Seven Spices, Endless Flavors!
