• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Start
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe

The Matbakh

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Start
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Start
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Tips and Tricks

    Oct 4, 2021 · Modified: Oct 4, 2021 by Mariam · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Lebanese Seven Spices Blend

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Lebanese seven spices homemade blend

    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.

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

    Mix the ground 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 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.

    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

    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

    • Beef Sambousek
    • Fried Kibbeh Balls
    • Lahm Bi Ajeen (Sfiha) Minced Meat Flatbread
    • Shish Tawook Lebanese Chicken Kabobs
    • Baked Chicken Thighs and Turmeric Basmati Rice
    • Kibbeh Nayeh Recipe (Lebanese Raw Kibbeh)

    Join The Tribe

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

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    ground spices in dishes

    Lebanese Seven Spices Blend


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Mariam
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 19 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Pin Recipe
    Print Recipe

    Description

    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

    Scale
    • 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

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

    Equipment

    Image of Funnel

    Funnel

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    1. Store in an airtight glass container. 
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Spices
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: Lebanese

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 tbsp
    • Calories: 0 calories
    • Sugar: 0 g
    • Sodium: 0 g
    • Fat: 0 g
    • Saturated Fat: 0 g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
    • Carbohydrates: 0 g
    • Fiber: 0 g
    • Protein: 0 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 g

    Keywords: seven spice, seven spices, Lebanese seven spice, Lebanese ground seven spice blend

    Did you make this recipe?

    Follow @thematbakh and tag your photos to #thematbakh

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
    « The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies (Freezer-Friendly)
    Namoura Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake »

    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

    1. Haifa says

      April 03, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      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 says

        April 03, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply

    Leave A Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Lily!

    toddler lily using her kitchen set

    I've been cooking things up ever since I was a kid. I'm a Lebanese American from Texas. My kitchen, or "matbakh", is a hodgepodge of delicious cultural recipes from the US and Mediterranean regions.

    More about me

    Easy Desserts

    • Lazy Cake
    • Cookie Dough Date Balls
    • Cookie Butter Rice Krispie Treats
    • The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies (Freezer-Friendly)

    Vegan Smoothies

    • Pineapple Kiwi Green Smoothie
    • Blueberry Kale Banana Smoothie
    • Strawberry Banana Pineapple Smoothie
    • Strawberry Pomegranate Smoothie

    Middle Eastern Desserts

    • Aish El Saraya - Ashta With Sweetened Bread
    • Pistachio Tahini Halva
    • Mafroukeh Pistachio Dessert With Cream
    • How To Make Baklava Rolls
    • Date Ma'amoul Mad Bars
    • Riz Bi Haleeb - Rose Water Rice Pudding
    • Qatayef Stuffed Pancakes (Walnuts or Cheese)
    • Basbousa Semolina Cake
    • Date Filled Cookie Bracelets - Ka'ak Asawer
    • Homemade Syrian Turkish Delight (Raha)

    Lebanese Recipes

    • Meghli Lebanese Caraway Pudding
    • Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej)
    • Lebanese Seven Spices Blend
    • Namoura Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake
    • Sfouf Turmeric Cake
    • Kibbeh Labanieh (Kibbeh Balls In Yogurt)
    • Kafta
    • Potato Kibbeh (Kibbet Batata)
    • Kousa Mahshi Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini
    • Fried Kibbeh Balls
    • Beef Sambousek
    • Zaatar Manakeesh Flatbread

    Mediterranean Faves

    • Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
    • Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks In Foil Packets
    • Sautéed Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
    • Egyptian Koshari Recipe (The Best I've Had)
    • Oven Broiled Lamb Kabobs
    • Killer Lebanese Fattoush Salad
    • Lebanese Tabouli Salad (Tabbouleh)
    • How To Make Labneh From Milk
    • The Best Spanakopita Pie
    • Mediterranean Pot Roast

    Family-Style Recipes

    • Ricotta and Sausage Baked Ziti
    • Steelhead Trout with Garlic Lime Butter Sauce
    • Harissa Lamb Chili With Couscous
    • Blanched Asparagus With Garlic Aioli
    • 20 Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
    • Easy Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie
    • Baked Chicken Thighs and Turmeric Basmati Rice
    • Chocolate Delight Yummy Dessert

    Kid Favorites

    • Crispy Pita Bread Pizza
    • Chipwich Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
    • Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
    • Slow Cooker Meat Spaghetti Sauce
    • Butter Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes
    • Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Follow

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Stay Connected

    Legal Stuff

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Statement

    About

    The Matbakh

    About Me

    Our Team

    Resources

    Podcast (Other Site)

    Shop

    Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 - 2021 Amooni Media LLC

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok