Arabic 7 Spice Mix: A Flavourful Middle Eastern Blend

March 31, 2023

If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you have probably heard of the Arabic 7 spice mix. This fragrant blend of spices is a staple in many dishes, from grilled meats to stews and soups. While you can easily find pre-made versions of this spice mix in supermarkets, I prefer to make my own at home. By sourcing the spices myself, roasting them at home, and grinding them into a fine powder, I can ensure that they are fresh and full of flavour when I use them in my cooking. Plus, there are many variations of the Arabic 7 spice mix, and making your own allows you to customise the blend to your taste preferences. This recipe, passed down to me by my mother-in-law, is one I always have in my pantry. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!

Basic Ingredients for 7 spice mix

Spices:

All Spice: This spice is made from the dried unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica plant and has a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavour with notes of cinnamon and clove.

Black Peppercorns: These are dried berries from the Piper nigrum plant and have a pungent, spicy, and slightly floral flavour that adds a sharp kick to the spice mix.

Cinnamon Sticks: Made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, cinnamon has a sweet and warm flavour that adds depth and warmth to the spice mix.

Cardamom pods: These small green pods contain tiny black seeds with a strong, spicy and slightly sweet flavour with notes of lemon and mint.

Cloves: These are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree and have a strong, pungent, and sweet flavour with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Nutmeg: This is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree and has a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour that adds complexity to the spice mix.

Bay leaves: The aromatic leaves of the bay laurel tree and have a pungent, herbal, and slightly bitter flavour that adds depth and complexity to the spice mix.

storage tips

Store the spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Use the spice mix within six months to ensure it is freshest and most flavorful.
Avoid storing the spice mix near strong-smelling ingredients, as it can absorb odours and flavours easily.
Label the container with the date you made the spice mix and the name of the spice mix to keep track of what’s inside.
It’s best to grind the spices just before using them for maximum freshness, but you can also make a larger batch and store it in the freezer to extend its shelf life. Just transfer it to an airtight container and use it within a year.