Authentic Middle Eastern Baharat Spice Blend
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this authentic Baharat spice blend. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Jordanian cooking, imparting warmth and depth to your dishes. Perfect for enhancing stews, grilled meats, or rice dishes, this versatile spice blend makes every meal a journey through the bustling bazaars of the Middle East. Prepare it in bulk, and enjoy the delightful fragrance that fills your kitchen as you toast these spices to perfection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole black peppercorn
1/2 cup (Whole)
Whole coriander seed
1/4 cup (Whole)
Cassia or cinnamon bark
1/4 cup (Whole)
Whole cloves
1/4 cup (Whole)
Cumin seed
1/3 cup (Whole)
Whole cardamom seeds
2 teaspoons (Whole)
Whole nutmeg
4 (Whole)
Ground paprika
1/2 cup (Ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all your whole spices: black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon (or cassia), cloves, cumin seeds, and cardamom seeds.
2
Add these spices to a high-powered blender or spice grinder. Depending on the size of your grinder, you may need to process the spices in batches—no more than 1/2 cup at a time is recommended.
3
Grind the spices until they form a fine powder, ensuring there are no large chunks remaining.
4
Next, grate the whole nutmeg and mix it in a bowl with the ground paprika until well combined.
5
Fold the nutmeg and paprika mixture into the ground spices, blending thoroughly.
6
For an extra boost of flavor, consider lightly toasting the ground spice blend. You can do this in a warm, dry frying pan for just a few seconds until fragrant, or spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
7
Once your Baharat is ready, transfer it to an airtight jar for storage, where it will keep its flavors for months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Middle Eastern Baharat?
It is a rich, aromatic spice blend traditional to Jordanian cooking that adds warmth and depth to various dishes.
What are the primary ingredients in this Baharat blend?
The blend consists of black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon or cassia, cloves, cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, nutmeg, and ground paprika.
What type of cinnamon is best for this recipe?
You can use either standard cinnamon bark or cassia bark for this authentic blend.
Should I use whole or ground spices for this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole spices like peppercorns, coriander, cloves, and cumin to be ground fresh for maximum flavor.
How do I prepare the nutmeg for the blend?
You should take 4 whole nutmegs and grate them before mixing with the other spices.
What equipment do I need to grind the spices?
A high-powered blender or a dedicated spice grinder is recommended to achieve a fine powder.
What is the recommended batch size for grinding?
It is recommended to process no more than 1/2 cup of whole spices at a time to ensure an even grind.
How long should I grind the spices?
Grind them until they form a fine powder with no large chunks remaining.
When do I add the paprika?
Mix the ground paprika with the grated nutmeg first, then fold that mixture into the other ground spices.
Is toasting the spice blend necessary?
Toasting is optional but recommended for an extra boost of flavor and fragrance.
How do I toast Baharat in a frying pan?
Use a warm, dry frying pan and heat the blend for just a few seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Can I toast the spice blend in the oven?
Yes, spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does oven toasting take?
It typically takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your oven.
What precautions should I take while toasting?
Stir the spices frequently while toasting to avoid burning the delicate powder.
How should I store my homemade Baharat?
Store the spice blend in an airtight jar to preserve its essential oils and flavors.
How long will this spice blend stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it will keep its flavors for several months.
What dishes pair well with Baharat?
It is perfect for enhancing stews, grilled meats, and various rice dishes.
Where does this specific recipe originate?
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Jordanian cooking and has been passed down through generations.
Is this spice blend spicy?
While aromatic and warm, the base recipe is not inherently 'hot' unless you choose to add spicy peppers, as it relies on peppercorns and paprika for depth.
Can I make this spice blend in bulk?
Yes, the recipe suggests preparing it in bulk to enjoy its fragrance and flavor in many future meals.
How much cumin seed is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of whole cumin seeds.
How much black peppercorn is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of whole black peppercorns.
Does this recipe include cardamom?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of whole cardamom seeds.
What kind of paprika should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of ground paprika.
What is the ratio of coriander to cumin?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of coriander seeds and 1/3 cup of cumin seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a pure spice blend and is suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
What does 'Baharat' mean?
Baharat is the Arabic word for 'spices' and refers to this specific multi-purpose aromatic blend.
Can I use this as a dry rub?
Yes, it works excellently as a dry rub for grilled meats.
What color is the final spice blend?
Due to the paprika and cinnamon, the blend typically has a rich, reddish-brown hue.
Why grate the nutmeg separately?
Whole nutmeg is very hard; grating it first ensures it mixes evenly with the ground paprika before being incorporated into the finer spices.