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Lebanese 7 Spice

By Samira Kazan

published October 03, 2024

Learn how to make Lebanese 7 spice with warm spices: allspice, cinnamon, cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. This finely ground spice mix is perfect for Middle Eastern recipes, adding an authentic aromatic flavor to your dishes.

A small wooden spoon dipped in a glass jar with Lebanese 7 spice mix. - 1

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  • What is Lebanese 7 spice
  • Recipe video
  • Ingredients
  • How to make 7 spice
  • Ways to use seven spice mix
  • Favorite Lebanese spice mixes
  • Lebanese 7 Spice Recipe

What is Lebanese 7 spice

Lebanese 7 spice, also known as “sabaa’ baharat” which translates to “seven spices” in English, is a fundamental spice found in every Lebanese pantry, known for its aromatic depth with hints of bitterness and sweetness. It’s made with allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg.

Growing up in Lebanon, this spice blend was always a staple in our kitchen. In Lebanese cuisine, there is a variety of ways to use it—add it to stews, ground beef recipes, hashweh (used for stuffing grape leaves, zucchini, and bell peppers), stir-frying beef, rice, grains, soups, and more. It’s also an essential part of traditional dishes like kofta kebabs , sfiha Lebanese meat pies , and kibbeh recipe (especially in the stuffing).

Often, to make the spice blend, recipes call for roasting and grinding whole spices to bring out the best flavor. However, for simplicity and convenience, I choose store-bought ground versions. So let me show you how quick and easy it is to make this 7 spice blend at home.

A small wooden bowl with homemade Lebanese 7 spice mix. - 2

Recipe video

Ingredients

Spices needed to make Lebanese 7 spice mix. - 3
  • Allspice : Made from a dried berry (named “allspice), it adds a warm flavor.
  • Cinnamon : For sweetness and warmth.
  • Cumin : Add a more earthy flavor.
  • Ground coriander : Brings a slight citrusy touch.
  • Black pepper : Adds a sharp, pungent heat.
  • Cloves : For a more robust spiciness.
  • Nutmeg: Adds a little sweet, nutty flavor. You can use store-bought powder or grate a whole nutmeg at home.

See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make 7 spice

Measure out the spices! I often make a big batch by doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling the amounts, so feel free to do the same if you’d like.

You can first place all the spices in a small bowl and mix them in it. Then transfer them to an airtight glass container. It can help to use a funnel.

Steps for mixing Lebanese 7 spice blend. - 4

Alternatively, as you measure the spices, pour them directly into your container. Then, shake it well to mix the spice blend.

Label your container and store the 7 spice mix in a cool, dark location (like a kitchen cupboard). Aim to use the seasoning within 3-4 months for the best flavor, though it will last 6+ months.

Homemade Lebanese 7 spice in a glass jar. - 5

Ways to use seven spice mix

This is a versatile spice mix that I am sure you will love using in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate 7-spice in my cooking:

  • Kofta Kebabs or Meatballs: Mix the seasoning into the ground meat.
  • Sfiha : Add the spice to the meat filling.
  • Hearty Stews: Sprinkle into pea, bean, or other stews.
  • Falafel: For a twist on my authentic falafel recipe , include 7-spice in the batter.
  • Spaghetti Sauce: Stir it into the sauce.
  • Stew Sauces : Incorporate the Lebanese seven spice blend for enhanced flavor.
  • Beef: Use it to season ground beef and steak recipes.
  • Chicken: Use it as a dry rub before grilling chicken.

When experimenting with Lebanese 7 spice in a recipe for the first time, I recommend starting with a small quantity as it is a very aromatic blend. For example, start with one teaspoon per pound of ground protein and then increase if wanted.

Favorite Lebanese spice mixes

falafel spice mix in a small heart bowl - 6 falafel spice mix in a small heart bowl - 7 A small jar with shawarma seasoning and a small wooden spoon dipped into it. - 8 A small jar with shawarma seasoning and a small wooden spoon dipped into it. - 9 Square Zaatar - 10 Square Zaatar - 11

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 2 Tbsp ground allspice
  • ▢ 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon powder
  • ▢ 1.5 Tbsp ground coriander
  • ▢ 1 Tbsp ground black pepper
  • ▢ 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ▢ 1 tsp ground cloves
  • ▢ 1 tsp ground nutmeg powder

This yields1/2cup

Instructions

  • Measure the spices. If you want to make a bigger batch, just double or triple the measurements.
  • Mix the spices into a small bowl until well combined.
  • Transfer to a glass container, label, and store in a cool, dark location.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

A small wooden spoon dipped in a glass jar with Lebanese 7 spice mix. - 12

Lebanese 7 Spice

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp ground allspice
  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon powder
  • 1.5 Tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 Tbsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg powder

This yields1/2cup

Instructions

  • Measure the spices. If you want to make a bigger batch, just double or triple the measurements.
  • Mix the spices into a small bowl until well combined.
  • Transfer to a glass container, label, and store in a cool, dark location.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/lebanese-7-spice-blend-sabaa-baharat/