Lebanese Seven Spices Blend

Name: Lebanese Seven Spices Blend
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 19
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Lebanese seven spice is a blend of seven ground spices: black pepper, white pepper, allspice, ground clove, nutmeg, cumin, and cinnamon. This ground spice is a staple in all of our kitchens in the Levant region. 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.

ground spices in little hand painted bowls

What I Love About This Recipe

It's so easy to make! I know a lot of people who live abroad can't find the Lebanese seven spices blend 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 spice blend is used in a lot of Lebanese recipes.

Ingredient Notes

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

This Lebanese spice blend is made up of the following ground 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 clove: 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 Seven Spices

Using a measuring spoon, measure out the ground spices.

using a measuring spoon to measure the ground spices into a spice jar

Mix the ground spices together.

Using a funnel, pour the ground spice blend into a spice jar. Label the 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 everything is mixed up really well.
Buy the spices you're using in the blend fresh and make sure they're of highest quality.
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

FAQs

Is baharat the same as 7 spice?

A lot of people often get confused over whether "baharat" is the same as the Lebanese seven-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. "sabe3 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.

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

The blend keeps for up to six months when stored well (in a cool and dry pantry). Do not refrigerate or freeze the spice mix because moisture affects the texture and flavor of the spices.

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

Seven spices is used in many Lebanese recipes from chicken shish tawook to stews and even baked kibbeh bil sanieh. I also often add a bit of olive oil to it and use it as a rub when baking fish or grilling meat. Sometimes I like to use it in homemade tomato sauces because of its incredible flavor.

My teta sprinkles a little in salad dressings and adds a teaspoon to every meat mince she ever makes. She uses it when making stuffed zucchini (kousa mahshi), soups, and tabbouleh. I also always taste this blend in the stuffing of her famous sambousek.

Case in point? This Lebanese spice blend is super versatile and can be added to any dish you're making. I recommend that you get adventurous and experiment with it. Adjust the taste as you go and balance out its flavors. You can always increase or decrease the amount of one of the seven spices that make up the blend to customize it to your own taste.

Recipes With Seven Spice

Join The Tribe

Subscribe to The Matbakh Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest pages. We also have a saucy newsletter.