If you like to cook, and I’m assuming you do, you have to try this Baharat Spice Blend Recipe! Want to mix things up in the kitchen? Make sure you have a bottle of this amazing spice blend in your cupboard!
Although you can purchase Baharat pre-made, there’s nothing like making it yourself. For best results, be sure to use fresh spices when making this Baharat Seasoning.
What is Baharat made of?
As already mentioned, Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice blend. It is widely used throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean region.
The Turkish word “Baharat” means “spices.” Additionally, “Baharat” is also referred to as “Middle Eastern 7 spice.” Similar to Indian Garam Masala, Baharat is made with an array of aromatic spices sure to enhance your dishes!
Further, there are no two Baharat recipes that are exactly the same. Everyone seems to have their own spice blend. However, there are some spices which are almost always found in most Baharat recipes. Let’s look at the usual Baharat recipe ingredients, along with some optional ones.
Main Baharat recipe Ingredients
- black pepper
- cumin
- coriander
- cardamom
- cloves
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
Additional Baharat Ingredients
- allspice
- paprika
- ginger
- chili powder
- cayenne
- turmeric
- saffron
What Can You Substitue for Baharat?
Since Baharat is a blend of many spices, it’s hard to pick just one spice to replace it. However, similar spice, known as “Ras el
“Ras el
Another option is to use any of the following spices that you have on hand: black pepper, allspice, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and chili. However, make sure you keep the same proportions used in this recipe.
If you’re making a batch, make note of the spices omitted, so that you can purchase and add them to the Baharat spice mix at a later time.
Are Baharat and Allspice the Same?
I actually had this conversation, or should I say, an argument, with one of my sisters once. My sister, who will remain anonymous, actually insisted that Baharat and Allspice were the same.
What my dear sister was not aware of is that Allspice is actually the name of a berry, and doesn’t mean “all-spice” as in “a mixture of all spices.” To prove that I was right, I had to bring home an allspice berry to prove my point.
Furthermore, I have been asked if Allspice and Five Spice are the same. Again, the answer would be “no.” As already mentioned Allspice is a berry and not a spice combination.
How to Make this Baharat Recipe using Whole Spices
If you have the time, and patience, an even better option for making Bahart Spice Blend is to use who seeds and spices. Start by toasting the seeds to bring out their flavors.
- Add black peppercorns, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, allspice berries, coriander seeds, whole cloves, whole nutmeg, chili peppers, and cinnamon stick to a hot c
ast -iron pan. - Toast until aromatic. Allow spices to cool before handling.
- Remove nutmeg, and grate separately.
- Grind the remaining spices in batches using a spice or coffee grinder.
- Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container.
Ways to Use This Baharat Recipe
Baharat can be used to season meat, chicken, and fish. It is also used to flavor soups and stews. However, my favorite way to use Baharat is in Chicken Biryani (Spicy yellow rice, loaded with shredded chicken, meatballs, potatoes, and onions).
You can also use Baharat to season the filling in Assyrian Egg Rolls (Bourak), and in Kubba filling. Another great way to use this spice is in Kofta Kabob.
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, you may also like the following posts: Corned Beef Spice Blend, Easy Dukkah Recipe (Egyptian Spice Blend), Santa Maria Dry Rub, Spicy Dry Rub Seasoning, and Zaatar Spice Blend.
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A must in Middle Eastern cooking, bahart is a spice mix used in many recipes.
- 1 T black pepper
- 1 T cumin
- 1 T coriander
- 1 T paprika
- 1 T allspice
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 1½ tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ to 1 tsp cayenne or chili powder
Measure all the spices.
Mix throughtly to blend.
Using a funnel, pour the spice blend in a small jar and seal.
