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    Home » Recipes » Tips and Tricks

    Lebanese 7 Spice Blend (Sabaa Baharat)

    By Mariam・Published: Oct 4, 2021・Updated: Aug 22, 2023・Post may have affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Lebanese 7 spices, aka sabaa baharat, is a blend of seven ground spices: black pepper, white pepper, allspice, ground cloves, nutmeg, cumin, and cinnamon.

    ground spices in little hand painted bowls

    This mixture of different spices is a staple in all of our kitchens in the Levant region. It's commonly used in Lebanese cooking, like in baked kibbeh, fasolia, chicken shish tawook, Lebanese chicken and rice, and kafta kabobs.

    Aromatic, unique, and flavorful, a teaspoon of it is often enough to add a touch of magic to a wide array of traditional Lebanese dishes.

    If you like making your own homemade spice blends, check out this homemade taco seasoning that's great for ground beef tacos or taco salad.

    What I Love About This Recipe

    This homemade spice blend is so easy to make! I know a lot of people who live abroad can't find Lebanese seven spice seasoning in local grocery stores. With this recipe, you'll no longer need to look for ready-made packs.

    With a few basic herbs and easy-to-find spices, you'll be on your way to making your own jar. Also, this popular spice blend is used in a lot of Middle Eastern cuisine.

    Ingredient Notes

    ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground white pepper in separate spice jars

    Make this Lebanese spice blend with the following spices:

    • Black and white pepper: Adds a touch of heat to the blend and elevates its flavor.
    • Allspice: Balances everything out and is the base of the Lebanese seven spice blend.
    • Ground cloves: Creates an incredible aroma and depth of flavor.
    • Nutmeg: Binds the aromatics together.
    • Cumin: A little goes a long way here, but this is an essential part of the blend.
    • Cinnamon: Wraps the blend up with a bit of delicious sweetness.

    How To Make Lebanese 7 Spice

    Using a measuring spoon, measure out the different ground spices.

    ground black pepper in a bowl
    using a measuring spoon to measure the ground spices into a spice jar

    Mix the individual spices together.

    ground seven spices in a jar
    seven spices blended together

    Using a funnel, pour the ground spice blend into a spice jar. Label the airtight jar with the contents and date.

    adding the ground Lebanese seven spices into a spice jar

    Tips and Tricks

    • I mix all the spices really well in a large bowl and then funnel them into a jar. This makes sure the spice mixes well.
    • Buy high quality fresh spices for the most aromatic flavor.
    • If you want to make this spicier, add a bit more black and white peppers in there. If you prefer a milder version add more cinnamon and nutmeg to the allspice base.
    • Always label your jar with the contents and date. I can't stress this enough. It's so easy to completely forget what's in a glass jar.

    Variations and Substitutions

    If using whole spices, grind them using a spice grinder prior to mixing. It's easier to make this spice blend with pre-ground spices.

    close up view of a whole nutmeg in a bowl

    Can You Substitute Allspice For Seven Spice?

    My teta says: Never do that. The Lebanese seven spices blend is way more diverse and flavorful than allspice by itself so unless you're in a pinch, try to avoid substituting seven-spice in a recipe that calls for using it.

    Storage

    Store this spice recipe in an airtight container for up to twelve months in a cool dry pantry or spice cabinet. Do not refrigerate or freeze the spice mix because moisture affects the texture and flavor of the spices mix.

    putting the spice jar lid on top

    Equipment

    • A glass spice jar: Make sure you use glass rather than plastic or other kinds of containers to store your blend. This helps to preserve the flavors for the longest period of time.
    • Funnel: Use this to put the spices in your jar (especially if you're using one with a narrow top)
    • Measuring spoons: It's important to measure out the exact amount of each spice to ensure the blend doesn't turn out too sweet or spicy.

    Lebanese Seven Spice Uses

    Use this Middle Eastern spice blend in Lebanese recipes from chicken shish tawook to fasolia lima bean stew and even baked kibbeh bil sanieh. I also often add a bit of olive oil to it and use it as a spice rub for baked fish or grilled meat dishes. Sometimes I use it in homemade tomato sauce because of its incredible flavor.

    My teta sprinkles a little in salad dressings and adds a teaspoon to every ground beef recipe she makes. She uses it when making stuffed zucchini (kousa mahshi), soups, and in the stuffing of her famous sambousek.

    Case in point? Lebanese 7 spice blend is super versatile. Add some authentic Middle Eastern flavor to any dish you're making. I recommend that you get adventurous and experiment with it.

    Make different variations of Lebanese 7 spices by changing the ratio of spices. Increase or decrease the amount of one of the seven spices to add your own personal touch.

    FAQs

    Is baharat the same as 7 spice?

    A lot of people often get confused over whether baharat is the same as the Lebanese 7 spice blend. They're actually not. Baharat literally translates into spices, so in the Arab world, we use it when referring to any kind of spice. Sabaa baharat is what we use to label the Lebanese seven-spice blend.

    What is seven spice made of?

    Lebanese seven spice is a blend of seven ground spices: black pepper, white pepper, allspice, ground clove, nutmeg, cumin, and cinnamon.

    What can I substitute for 7 spice?

    You can substitute a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and black pepper.

    What spices are used in Lebanese food?

    Lebanese seven spice, za'atar, and sumac are common dry spices used in Lebanese cuisine.

    Recipes With Lebanese 7 Spice

    • fried beef sambousek on a plate
      Lebanese Beef Sambousek
    • fried kibbeh in a bowl
      Fried Kibbeh Balls
    • sfiha minced meat pieces on a plate
      Lahm Bi Ajeen (Sfiha) Minced Meat Flatbread
    • grilled chicken shish tawook skewers in a bowl
      Shish Tawook Lebanese Chicken Kabobs
    • chicken thighs and turmeric basmati rice on the counter
      Baked Chicken Thighs and Turmeric Basmati Rice
    • kibbeh nayeh Lebanese raw kibbeh appetizer
      Kibbeh Nayeh Recipe (Lebanese Raw Kibbeh)

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    📋 Recipe

    ground spices in dishes

    Lebanese 7 Spices Blend (Sabaa Baharat)

    Author: Mariam
    Course: Spices
    Cuisine: Lebanese
    Prep: 15 minutes mins
    Total: 15 minutes mins
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate Email
    Servings 19
    Lebanese seven spice is a blend of seven ground spices: black pepper, white pepper, allspice, ground clove, nutmeg, cumin, and cinnamon. It's aromatic and used in many Levantine recipes.

    Ingredients
     
    US Customary - Metric

    • 3 tablespoons allspice
    • 3 tablespoons cinnamon
    • 3 tablespoons ground cloves
    • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
    • 3 tablespoons nutmeg
    • 2 tablespoons black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons white pepper

    Instructions

    • Mix all the spices in a glass bowl.
    • Use a funnel to pour the blend into a glass spice jar.
    • Label and store in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months. 

    Notes

    1. Store in an airtight glass container. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 tablespoon | Calories: 1 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 0 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Sugar: 0 g

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    • mild taco seasoning
      Bulk Mild Taco Seasoning (No Additives)

    About Mariam

    I am Mariam Nabbout, a writer and content creator. I’ve spent years dedicating research, digital, and filmmaking skills to come up with content that's just as meaningful as it is inspiring. A few of my obsessions include good branding, films, photography, design, art, and of course, food.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Katharine Hernden

      June 12, 2023 at 7:14 pm

      I'm so glad I found this site! I'm also of Lebanese/American(Irish) heritage. This brings bk memories of being in my Sittee's kitchen watching her & assisting her when she would cook & bake those delicious Lebanese dishes. Such wonderful memories, wonderful smells & tastes! I miss those days. I'm going to make this 7 spice blend & use it on everything. Thank you for this blog & the flavorful recipes that bring bk many memories. And side note: my Sittee had an herb garden right outside her bk door & she would often ask me to out & get some fresh mint ir some other herb as needed. I was always happy to oblige.

      Reply
      • Lily

        June 12, 2023 at 7:24 pm

        Hi Katharine, I feel so honored to have you here! And those are some beautiful memories! Food has such a way of connecting us to memories, family, culture, I totally relate. Welcome to the tribe, feel free to comment or reach out if you have any questions or comments.

        Reply
    2. Marley

      May 04, 2023 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      This spice mix is amazing! I already had all of the spices on hand and it smells amazing. Can't wait to make more dinners with this seasoning. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Lily

        May 05, 2023 at 4:27 pm

        Thanks Marley!

        Reply
    3. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      March 09, 2023 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it soon!

      Reply
      • Lily

        May 09, 2023 at 9:05 am

        Thanks Shadi, hope you like it!

        Reply
    4. Elizabeth

      March 02, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      What a unique blend of flavors! I would love to try this spice blend in a quinoa or grain bowl.

      Reply
      • Lily

        May 07, 2023 at 12:12 pm

        Thanks Elizabeth!

        Reply
    5. Ned

      February 04, 2023 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      What an awesome flavorful spice blend! Thank you for this awesomeness!

      Reply
      • Lily

        May 09, 2023 at 9:06 am

        Thanks Ned!

        Reply
    6. Beth

      November 04, 2022 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      This Spice Blend is a versatile and aromatic blend of spices that adds depth to any dish!

      Reply
    7. Haifa

      April 03, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is great, was lookin for a recipe for the Lebanese blend because the stores all have different variations, but I like this one.

      Reply
      • Lily

        April 03, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply

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    I'm Lily

    I'm an American Lebanese living in Texas. My kitchen, or matbakh, is a hodgepodge of recipes from the U.S. and Mediterranean region.

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