Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe (2024)

Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of making your own Baharat Spice Mix at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for adding a cozy warmth to any dish, this Middle Eastern staple transforms your cooking with its unique blend of spices.

I’m a sucker for good spice blend and once I started making my own at home vs purchasing the store-bought variety, there was no turning back! Enter this baharat spice blend recipe. It’s rich, warm, earthy, smoky, sweet and DELICIOUS. You can use it in conventional baharat recipes, or if you enjoy living on the wild side (as I do!), there’s no limit to the types of dishes that baharat can elevate.

What is Bahārāt?

Bahārāt is a rich and aromatic spice blend originating from Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a versatile mixture that typically includes black pepper, coriander, paprika, cardamom, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Each region or family might have its own variation, adding a unique twist to this staple seasoning. Bahārāt is used to flavor a wide range of dishes, from meats and fish to soups, vegetables, and rice, adding depth and warmth to the culinary creations it graces.

Baharat Variations Throughout the World

• Turkey
  • Incorporates mint and rose petals for a distinctive floral note.
  • Commonly used in kebabs and vegetable dishes.
• Lebanon
  • Features a heavier use of allspice and black pepper.
  • Used in stews, grilled meats, and mezze platters.
• Syria
  • Often includes more cumin and dried mint, adding a robust flavor.
  • Key in flavoring lentil dishes and kebabs.
• Iraq
  • Unique for its inclusion of dried lime, adding a tangy twist.
  • Essential in traditional stews and rice dishes.
• Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE)
  • Characterized by a sweeter profile with more cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Sprinkled on seafood, rice (like Kabsa), and meat dishes.
• North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria)
  • Although not traditionally called Bahārāt, similar spice mixes such as Egyptian 7-spice, Bzar, or Ras el Hanout feature local ingredients like saffron and dried ginger.
  • Used in tagines, couscous, and savory pastries.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s super easy to make.
• You likely have most of the ingredients on hand already.
• You will love its unique rich, deep flavor.
• It’s a versatile spice blend that works in a large variety of dishes.

Ingredient Notes

• Black pepper: A pungent spice that adds a sharp and mildly spicy flavor, enhancing the overall warmth and complexity of Baharat.
• Coriander: Offers a sweet, aromatic taste with citrus undertones, contributing to the spice blend’s fragrant and slightly tangy profile.
• Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor, adding depth and a hint of warmth to the Baharat mix.
• Cardamom: Known for its intensely aromatic and slightly sweet flavor, cardamom adds layers of complexity with its unique, slightly minty undertones.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, contributing to the spice blend’s nuanced and subtly sweet profile.
• Cumin: Brings a distinct earthy, nutty, and somewhat spicy taste, offering depth and a bit of bitterness to balance the blend’s flavors.
• Cloves: Known for their powerful, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor, cloves add a warm, aromatic intensity to the Baharat blend.
• Cinnamon: Contributes a sweet, woody flavor with a delicate warmth, enhancing the blend’s sweetness and complexity.
• Dried mint: While not included in all traditional bahārāt blends, I like to include it in my own special recipe. It offers a refreshing, cool, and slightly sweet taste, adding a unique, aromatic brightness to the Baharat mix.

How to Make Bahārāt

1. Gather the ground spices then simply combine them in a bowl and mix well.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. Use and enjoy!

Creative Ways to Use Baharat Spice in Your Cooking

Here are some Baharat recipe ideas to inspire your next kitchen adventure:

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Baharat before roasting. The spice blend will caramelize beautifully, offering a smoky, rich flavor.
• Marinades for Protein: Mix Baharat with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade for tofu, tempeh, or if not vegetarian, meat and fish.
• Flavored Rice: Stir some Baharat into your rice cooker along with your rice and water for an aromatic and savory side dish.
• Enhanced Soups and Stews: Add a teaspoon of Baharat to your soups and stews during the cooking process. It works especially well in lentil soups and vegetable broths, adding a warm, complex depth.
• Spiced Breads and Doughs: Incorporate a small amount of Baharat into bread doughs or pastry fillings for a subtle, spiced undertone. It’s particularly delightful in flatbreads or when making spiced sweet rolls.
• Dips and Spreads: Blend Baharat into hummus, yogurt dips, or cream cheese spreads for a quick and easy appetizer with a twist. The spice mix adds an unexpected and welcome flavor boost.
• Breakfast Dishes: Sprinkle Baharat over scrambled eggs or mix into omelet fillings for a breakfast with a delightful difference. It can also be added to pancake or waffle batter for a spicy-sweet note.
• Desserts and Sweets: Baharat isn’t just for savory dishes! Experiment by adding a pinch of Baharat to chocolate desserts, like brownies, cookies, or chocolate cake, for an intriguing flavor combination. The warmth of the spices pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate.

Storing Baharat Spice Mix

To keep Baharat at its best, store it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, which can lead to clumping and loss of potency. A cool, dark pantry or kitchen cabinet is ideal. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are preferable, as they can help protect the spices from light while maintaining freshness. Using the mix within six months is recommended to enjoy its full flavor profile, though it can remain potent for up to a year if stored correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for baharat spice?

Baharat spice is also commonly referred to as “Arabic Seven Spice.” This alternative name highlights its widespread use in Arabic cuisine and its typical composition of seven key spices, though variations may include more.

Is baharat the same as garam masala?

Baharat and garam masala are not the same, although both are spice blends used to enhance the flavor of dishes with warming spices. Baharat originates from Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a unique combination of flavors that includes peppery, warm, and slightly sweet notes. In contrast, garam masala is a staple in Indian cuisine, characterized by its warming and more intensely aromatic profile.

Is 7 spice the same as baharat?

Yes, 7 spice is often considered the same as Baharat, especially in Middle Eastern cooking. Both terms refer to a spice blend that typically includes seven essential spices, such as black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, among others. However, the exact composition of spices can vary between regions and even individual recipes, making each blend unique.

Is baharat the same as zaatar?

Baharat and za’atar are not the same; they are distinct spice blends with different ingredients and uses in cooking. Baharat is a versatile spice mix that includes ingredients like black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg, used to season meats and stews. Za’atar, on the other hand, is a combination of dried herbs such as thyme and oregano, mixed with sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, often used as a seasoning for breads, salads, and yogurts. Each blend offers a unique taste profile reflecting its culinary tradition.

An Alternative Method

I’m all about quick and easy over here at MOON and spoon and yum, but if you want to infuse your homemade baharat with the utmost care and attention, then here is an alternative method that will take your baharat spice to the next level:

1. Start by gathering whole spices, rather than the ground variety.
2. Save for the nutmeg, place the whole spices in a dry skillet over medium heat, and toast the spices for about 2 minutes or until the spices smell very fragrant.
3. Allow the spices to cool.
4. Once the spices are cool, combine them in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-speed blender. Grate the nutmeg into the same spices. Blend the spices until they are soft and powdery. Alternatively, you can also use a mortar and pestle to grind the spices.
5. Use right away or store for later use.
6. Enjoy!

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