Your new secret weapon for bold, aromatic cooking
Bring a little Middle Eastern magic into your kitchen with this beautifully fragrant Lebanese 7 Spice Mix (also known as baharat). It’s warm, earthy, slightly sweet and incredibly versatile – a simple mix that instantly elevates roasted meats, grilled veggies, rice dishes, soups, stews and so much more.
Once you make your own, you’ll never bother buying the store-bought version again.
Why You’ll Love This Spice Mix
- Comes together in minutes
- Warm, aromatic flavour perfect for Middle Eastern dishes
- Uses pantry staples
- Cheaper than store-bought mixes
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
- Makes an amazing edible gift
- Keeps well in the pantry
This blend is the secret behind so many Middle Eastern favourites – from koftas to shawarma to slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
What Is In Lebanese 7 Spice?
Lebanese 7 Spice is a traditional Middle Eastern seasoning that’s been used for generations to bring warmth and depth to everyday cooking. It’s the blend you’ll find in everything from grilled meats to rice dishes, lentils, legumes, hearty stews and slow-cooked favourites – the kind of spice mix that instantly makes a dish smell and taste like home.
The magic comes from its beautifully balanced mix of warm, earthy spices such as cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cumin, coriander, nutmeg and cloves. Every family has their own version, but this combination gives you that unmistakable Lebanese flavour profile – aromatic, comforting and incredibly versatile. Once you start cooking with it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many kitchens.
How to Use Lebanese 7 Spice
Once you’ve mixed up a batch of Lebanese 7 Spice, get ready – you’ll start finding excuses to use it on just about everything. This blend adds instant warmth, depth and that unmistakable Middle Eastern aroma that makes even the simplest dish taste special.
It’s incredible on meats like Lamb Kofta, kebabs and chicken shawarma, and it brings slow-cooked beef or lamb to life with barely any effort. Try it on a roast chicken for a gorgeous, fragrant twist, or sprinkle it over roasted veggies like carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin or sweet potato. It also works beautifully in lentil and chickpea dishes, rice pilaf and couscous, stews, soups and tagines, turning everyday pantry staples into something genuinely exciting.
Tips for the Best Flavour
- Use fresh spices – older ground spices lose potency
- Store in an airtight jar away from light and heat
- Shake the jar before each use to remix the spices
- Taste and adjust – add extra cinnamon for sweetness or cumin for earthiness
- Make a double batch to save time
Storage
To keep your Lebanese 7 Spice tasting its best, store it in an airtight jar and tuck it away in a cool, dark pantry. It will stay fresh for up to three to four months, but for the fullest flavour and aroma, try to use it within two to three months. Keeping it sealed tight helps protect the natural oils in the spices so every sprinkle still packs a punch.
Recipes That Go With:
- Middle Eastern Lamb Koftas – These kofta’s make good use of this spice blend
- Hummus
- Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice One Pot
- Middle Eastern Lamb & Pasta Bake
- 4-Ingredient Flatbreads (Foolproof, Soft and Quick)
- Moroccan Chicken Tagine (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
Lebanese 7 Spice Mix
Equipment
- Clean jar or airtight container (at least 125ml)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground all spice
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons ground cloves
- 3 teaspoons ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a screw top jar and shake to combine. Alternatively place into a bowl and stir or whisk until well combined.
- Store in an airtight jar or container in a cool dark place. Use as required.
Notes
- COOKS NOTES:
Oven Temps: Oven temperatures are for conventional, if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml & 1 cup = 250 ml.
Herbs: All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed.
Vegetables: All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
Eggs: We use extra-large size and eggs are 55-60 g each, unless specified. - GROUND ALLSPICE
Ground allspice has a warm, sweet, slightly peppery flavour that tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves all in one. It’s sometimes sold as pimento, so if you spot that name instead, you’re still getting the same beautifully aromatic spice.
Leave a Reply