Homemade Arabic Seven Spice

Spice blends remind us of the old city. There was a time when you could only buy your spices and spice mixes in the old parts of the city ( Bzouryeh).

The spice shop was run by a kind and cheerful old man, one who never used the scales or measuring cups, yet he managed to produce the exact same blend every time.

Arabic seven spice blend is used heavily in the Levantine cuisine, particularly in Syrian and Lebanese recipes.

As the name implies, there are 7 spices that make up this blend and give it its signature flavor that is used to add an irresistible Middle Eastern touch to soups and tomato sauces. You can also use it as a rub for meat and chicken.

Ingredients

250 grams (2 ½ cups) (600ml) all spice

110 grams (1 cup) (240 ml) black pepper

52 grams (1/2 cup) cloves

25 grams (1/4 cup) nutmeg (optional)

25 grams (1/4 cup) cardamom

25 grams (1/4 cup) cinnamon

25 grams (1/3 cup) dried ginger

Directions:

Simply place all the ingredients in a spice grinder and process until finely ground. You can also grind each of the spices separately then combine them to get your spice blend.

Lara Khouli