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Here is how I make Lebanese 7 spice. Keep in mind, every cook puts a different spin on this traditional Levantine mix. And, while totally essential in recipes like Beef Kafta and Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves, it also adds depth to all sorts of grains, and pairs well with dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
What is seven spice?
First, the Arabic word for spices is “baharat.” So, we often refer to the Lebanese seven spice mix simply as baharat and use the terms interchangeably. Baharat is sort of like the Indian mix garam masala. Most importantly, 7 Spice is not to be confused with the Japanese seven spice, or shichimi, a totally different combo of spices.
What’s in Lebanese 7 spice?
Even within the Lebanese community, 7 Spice variations abound between manufacturers and family recipes. Sometimes the mix includes cardamom, paprika, ginger, or fenugreek. Additionally, some cooks roast and grind whole spices. But for convenience, I go with ready-made ground versions for the following:
- Allspice: Contrary to its name, allspice is not a combination of all spices, but the ground powder of the dried berry of a type of myrtle tree called pimenta dioica. It looks like a peppercorn.
- Black pepper: If you have a pepper grinder, this is one spice that is really marvelous when freshly ground.
- Cinnamon: Everyone’s favorite. Some western palates associate it with sweet dishes, but cinnamon has many savory uses.
- Ground cloves: Highly fragrant, cloves come from the flower bud of an Indonesian tree.
- Coriander: Coriander comes from the ground seeds of the cilantro plant.
- Cumin: A signature spice of middle eastern cuisine, cumin is the seed of a plant in the parsley family.
- Nutmeg: The seed of a tropical evergreen tree, whole nutmeg is easy to powderize if you have a Microplane zester.
How to make seven spice mix
- First, measure out your individual ingredients.
- Second, mix together until well combined.
- Finally, decant the mixture into a tightly lidded jar of some sort (a funnel helps) and store for up to six months in a cool, dry place.
Recipes with 7 spice:
- Kafta and Potato Stew
- Beef Stuffed Peppers
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Beef Kafta
- Hummus with Ground Beef
- West African Beef Kabobs (Suya)
- Lebanese Spinach Stew
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Peas and Carrots Stew
- Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)
- Mediterranean Ground Beef and Rice
- Lebanese Bean Stew
- Kousa (Stuffed Squash)
- Okra Stew
Frequently asked questions
Go for it! I won’t tell. The great thing about this mix is you can customize it to your taste, adding a little more of one ingredient, a little less of another, or eliminating something completely.
Of course, everyone has their favorite flavor profiles! For me, allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper are the non-negotiable elements of Lebanese seven spice.
Baharat makes a great basis for a dry marinade or spice rub when grilling chicken. It enlivens rice pilaf and couscous dishes, too.
This custom, homemade 7 Spice lets me flavor my food exactly the way I like it and makes any Lebanese dish super authentic.
For more cooking tutorials:
- How to Cook Rice
- How to Cut Garlic
- How to Freeze Garlic
- How to Cut an Onion
- How to Cut an Avocado
- How to Cook Chickpeas
- How to Make Oatmeal
- How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
- How to Make Cajun Seasoning
- How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
If you’ve found this cooking resource for How to Make Seven Spice helpful or if you’ve tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with this technique. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
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How to Make 7 Spice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Store for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
So good! lol Your chicken and potato recipe made with the seven spice is on regular rotation at our house. It’s absolutely my husband’s favorite way of cooking chicken.
Thank you!
BTW Love your cookbook! 😊
Aww, I love that! So happy your husband loves my One Pan Chicken and Potatoes recipe. Thanks so much, Hilde!!
I have used store-bought baharat in the past & have had varying taste results in my Lebanese cooking. I have used your recipe twice now & all I can say is THANK YOU!!! Will be making my own forever
Yay, I love to hear that! So happy you love the recipe—thank you, Sadie!!
This sounds delicious! Would cardamom be a good add?? I have a jar of Baharat. What might be the spices in that?
I’m also excited to try this mix in my family’s Lebanese rice recipe. It usually just has ground lamb, allspice, salt, lemon, pine nuts and cinnamon. They may object to any change though!!
Baharat is very similar to 7 spice, the terms are often used interchangeably! You could definitely add cardamom to this recipe, it all depends on your preferences. I recommend you experiment to see what you (and your family) like the best. Enjoy!!
I made this for my chicken tagine, delicious and so easy to make
Yay, so happy to hear that!