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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!
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.
I Love Baharat!! I made Baharat chicken and my man who was so tired of chicken growing up. He loved the recipe more than what he was familiar with but requests me to make it everytime we bought chicken thighs!!
I love Mediterranean food very much and I’m glad I found you! Thank you 🙏
Can you substitute mace for nutmeg
Sure!
I posted asking for the mesures to make the spice. Could not find it before, my phone is working all right now. And I found the mesures to make the mix just now. Thank you
Oh thanks for the update, glad you were able to find the full recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
You can find Baharat at sprouts markets if you can’t get all the ingredients to make it
7 spice is a middle eastern mix and not specifically lebanese. It was not invented by a lebanese.
I did not say it was invented by the Lebanese, but we do have a version that we use.
I’m not a fan of buying spice mixes when I can make them, so this is awesome!! I have everything I need, so I will be mixing up a batch pronto.
I made your Greek inspired stuffed peppers the other day. A favorite here!!
Thank you so much! You’ll have to let me know what you think of 7 spice!
i really like this recipe and website is so beautiful
Thank you so much!
Very nice recipe. Thank you.
You’re so welcome!
Can you please tell me the difference between 7 spice and Kamouneh?
7 spice is made up of warm spices, including Allspice, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg. It is a finely ground spice mix that can be used to flavor all types of recipes. Kamouneh, on the other hand, will feature cumin seeds instead fo ground cumin, thick dried parsley or mint, whole peppercorns, and even rose petals. The mix is different across regions, but overall it’s a more chunky mix that is used to blend with onions and bulgur to flavor foods like Kibbeh. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this! We use gluten free seasonings and hard to find gluten free Baharat
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it!