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how to Make 7 Spice (Lebanese Baharat Blend)

If you’ve ever had a dish that tasted mysteriously deep, warm, and complex, but couldn’t quite place why it may have been thanks to 7 spice.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make this classic Lebanese blend at home known as Baharat spice blend, how it differs from other spice mixes, and how to use it to infuse everyday meals with bold, Middle Eastern flavor.

You’ll get a breakdown of what’s inside, easy steps to create your own, answers to common questions, and ideas for using it in both traditional and creative ways.

A Taste of My Roots: Discovering 7 Spice

As a child, seven spices were the essence of our kitchen. We called them “Baharat,” a blend I inherited from my grandmother that was kept in a small glass jar by the stove. It was this blend that transformed simple ingredients into rich, unforgettable meals.

This blend of spices, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and coriander is warm, earthy, and downright easy to make. credibly easy to prepare. Just combine equal parts, mix well, and store in a glass jar.

I use it in everything from kofta to lentils to roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself eating it every day. It’s not just a blend; it’s a legacy of tradition, creativity, and love in a jar.

Every time I cook now, I feel like I’m back in that cozy kitchen, watching my mom carefully measure out spoonfuls of cinnamon, cumin, and cloves. Her seven-spice blend didn’t have a written recipe; it was instinct, passed down through taste and memory.

Today, I still follow that same instinct, mixing the mixture by heart and tweaking it until it smells perfect.

This Lebanese staple isn’t just a spice blend. It’s an invitation to explore rich flavors while maintaining simplicity. I’ve used it to add depth to traditional dishes like kofta and vine leaves, but also in innovative recipes like spiced lentil soup or roasted chickpeas. It transforms the familiar into something unforgettable.

Want to try something different? Try Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper seasoning. These blends demonstrate the versatility of homemade seasonings.

The 7 spice blend remains one of my most treasured kitchen staples. I hope after reading this, it becomes one of yours too.

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What Is 7 Spice

What Is 7 Spice? A Signature of Lebanese Flavor

7 spice isn’t just a blend; it’s the flavor heartbeat of countless Middle Eastern kitchens. Known in Arabic as baharat, this mix brings together warm, earthy, and slightly sweet spices that work together like a symphony.

Each family might add their own touch, but the soul of the mix remains consistent deep, balanced, and unmistakably fragrant.

Just like garam masala in Indian cuisine or Chinese 5 spice in Asian cooking,Traditional Lebanese spice offers a shortcut to complexity. It’s not spicy in a hot way, but rich with warmth. When added to meat dishes, stews, or even lentils, it enhances everything without overpowering.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own spice blend at home. Not only do you get to control the flavor profile, but you also skip fillers and preservatives. For me, creating a jar of 7 spice feels like bottling up comfort.

I keep it next to my other favorites like homemade Italian seasoning and Cajun mix so I can easily shift between cuisines when the mood strikes.

Key Ingredients in Lebanese 7 Spice

Spice	Flavor Profile
Allspice	Warm, sweet, slightly peppery
Coriander	Citrusy and nutty
Cinnamon	Sweet and woody
Black Pepper	Sharp and pungent
Cloves	Sweet, spicy, intensely aromatic
Cumin	Earthy and slightly bitter
Nutmeg	Sweet and nutty with depth

These seven spices add a powerful aroma that adds a distinctive touch to any dish. Some families add cardamom, turmeric, and even ginger for a special touch. Whether you stick to the basic spices or add your own twist, homemade seven spices are always more vibrant than store-bought mixes.

They’re incredibly versatile. You can use the spice blend in Middle Eastern rice dishes, rub it on roasted cauliflower, or even mix it into burgers for a unique flavor. Once you taste its magic, you’ll find countless ways to use it.t.

How to Make 7 Spice at Home

How to Make 7 Spice at Home

Crafting your own 7 spice blend is not only simple but also deeply rewarding. You get to shape the exact balance of flavor that suits your cooking style. No mystery ingredients, no fillers just pure, fragrant spices that you likely already have in your pantry.

Start with pre-ground spices for convenience. If you prefer deeper aromas, you can toast whole spices before grinding. Either way, the process takes less than five minutes, and the result will stay fresh for up to six months when stored properly.

Here’s how I do it at home:

Ingredients:

Steps:

You can multiply the recipe as needed. I often make a double batch and keep it near my stovetop in a tightly sealed jar for easy access.

I also recommend labeling the jar with the date so you know when to refresh it. Though spices don’t “go bad,” their potency fades over time.

For anyone just getting into spice blending, I recommend checking out DIY pumpkin pie spice and homemade lemon pepper as simple starter mixes. They follow the same principle: combine whole flavors to create something truly your own.

Extra Tips to Enhance the Flavor

For an even more aromatic mix, try lightly toasting the cumin, coriander, and cloves in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes before grinding. Let the spices cool completely, then mix with the rest. This simple step boosts the blend’s intensity and makes your 7 spice pop with flavor.

If you want a slightly smokier profile, add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried ginger. It’s your blend make it yours.

Once your mix is ready, use it as a base for a quick rub on meats, or stir a teaspoon into rice before cooking. It’s also a fantastic way to deepen soups or stews without adding salt or heavy sauces.

This method makes homemade 7 spice more than just a pantry item. It becomes part of your cooking ritual, a foundation for building bold, memorable meals.

Using 7 Spice in Everyday Cooking

Using 7 Spice in Everyday Cooking

Once you’ve made your own 7 spice blend, the real fun begins. This Middle Eastern seasoning isn’t a spice you use once and forget. It’s a flavor booster that brings new life to everyday meals.

Whether you’re preparing traditional Lebanese dishes or giving your favorite weeknight recipes a twist, 7 spice always delivers depth and warmth.

You can sprinkle it on ground meat before shaping it into patties, stir it into soups, or toss vegetables in olive oil and the blend before roasting. Its complexity makes it ideal for adding a Middle Eastern twist to simple meals, whether they contain meat or something else.

Some of my favorite ways to use 7 spice include mixing it into lentil soup, adding it to chicken and rice bowls, or seasoning roasted chickpeas. It also blends beautifully with garlic and lemon, creating a flavor profile that’s cozy yet bold.

Middle Eastern Recipes That Shine with 7 Spice

If you’re looking for classic dishes where 7 spice shines, start with:

• Kafta a Lebanese meat skewer made with ground beef or lamb, parsley, onion, and of course, a generous helping of 7 spice.
• Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves) seasoned rice and meat wrapped in tender grape leaves, often flavored with this signature mix.
• Mloukhieh (Jute Leaf Stew) and Spinach Stew both get a serious flavor upgrade with a touch of baharat.

You can also explore more modern uses. You can use it in shakshuka for a deeper tomato base, or in spiced sweet potatoes to balance sweet and salty flavors.

The beauty of 7 spice is its adaptability. You can use it to create a marinade, mix it into hummus, or even flavor rice pilaf. The blend offers a way to travel through taste right from your kitchen.

And if you’re just starting your spice journey, keep it simple. Use it in one dish, then try it somewhere new. The more you experiment, the more you’ll understand its role as a bridge between comfort and curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Making your own 7 spice blend is a simple act that unlocks a world of flavor. It connects tradition with everyday creativity, turning basic ingredients into soulful meals.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this blend adds comfort and complexity in every sprinkle.

Explore your taste, follow your instincts, and let 7 spice become your signature.

Looking for more spice inspiration? Don’t miss out on trying out the Italian seasoning and lemon pepper recipes. They’re perfect additions to your seven-spice jar.