Seven spice is a combination of warm, earthy spices commonly used in Lebanese dishes, but also delicious with eggs, chicken, vegetables, and more. This easy homemade spice mix has become a staple in my kitchen!
So what is seven spice?
Seven spice is a Lebanese spice blend that packs a whole lot of flavor into every single teaspoon. Also known as baharat (which means spice in Arabic), seven spice is an aromatic combination of warm, sweet, bitter, and earthy flavors, and it adds depth to all kinds of dishes.
The exact components of baharat vary from region to region and even family to family, which means there’s really no right or wrong here—everyone has their own version that they prefer.
My blend leans more into the warm flavors, with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
This ability to customize is why I love making my own seasoning blends at home. For other DIY seasoning recipes, try my Beau Monde Seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, and Blackened Seasoning.
Tips
- Flexible – This seasoning blend is perfect in so many of your everyday meal. It’s such an easy way to upgrade your favorites and create interest!
- Easy – Stir, whisk, or shake everything together—that’s it!
- Budget-Friendly – Instead of buying fancy pre-made spice blends you can make your own seven spice blend for a fraction of the cost.
- Versatile – You can use this blend on everything from roasted veggies to grilled meats.
Ingredients and Substitutions
See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- Allspice – Allspice is fragrant and earthy; although it tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s actually not a blend of spices at all, but a small berry harvested from the allspice tree.
- Coriander – Coriander adds some brightness and citrus flavor to the mix.
- Cinnamon – While we often use cinnamon in desserts, it’s a common ingredient in stews and meat dishes throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.
- Black pepper – Black pepper is spicy and pungent, giving this seven spice blend a little bit of a kick.
- Cloves – These bring warmth and aroma, but also some astringency.
- Cumin – You’ll find cumin in cuisines around the globe; it adds more earthiness to baharat.
- Nutmeg – Freshly ground nutmeg is most flavorful, but store-bought is fine too.
How To
- Prep – Measure the spices and place them in a small bowl or jar.
- Combine – Cover the jar and shake to combine, or if you’re using a bowl, stir or whisk the spices together.
- Use – Add seven spice seasoning to meats, vegetables, and more.
Tips
- Use freshly ground spices if possible for maximum flavor.
- Adjust your seven spice seasoning to your family’s tastes by omitting, adding, or changing the amounts of the ingredients.
- This makes a small amount of seasoning so you’ll be able to use it all before it starts losing its flavor. You can easily scale up the recipe if you use it often or if you want to make a big batch for gifts.
- Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
How to Use Seven Spice
- Sprinkle it on baked or grilled sweet potatoes to add some warmth.
- Make a chicken marinade by combining olive oil and seven spice with lemon juice.
- Add it to scrambled eggs for a twist on the classic.
- Rub it onto root vegetables like parsnips and carrots before roasting them in the oven for an easy side dish.
- Use it to season rice and other grains.
- Make authentic Middle Eastern dishes that call for seven spice, like kebabs, soups, stews, etc.
How to Store
Transfer seven spice seasoning to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry. It will keep for up to 6 months; after this, it will begin to lose its flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
This seven spice blend is made with allspice, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg, but there are a number of different variations; some have white pepper, others have fenugreek, ginger, or other spices.
No, allspice is not a blend of spices; it comes from a berry, but it does tastes like a combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Seven spice is a blend of spices and allspice is often an ingredient in it.
No, garam masala is an Indian spice blend, while seven spice is popular in Lebanon and the Middle East.
More Seasoning Blends
Seven Spice (Baharat)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine the spices in a small bowl or jar.
- Cover the jar and shake to combine, or stir or whisk the spices together in a bowl.
- Add seven spice seasoning to meats, vegetables, and more.
Julie’s Tips
Tips
- Use freshly ground spices if possible for maximum flavor.
- Adjust your seven spice seasoning to your family’s tastes by omitting, adding, or changing the amounts of the ingredients.
- This makes a small amount of seasoning so you’ll be able to use it all before it starts losing its flavor. You can easily scale up the recipe if you use it often or if you want to make a big batch for gifts.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
