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Lebanese Warm Spice Blend 2

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Lebanese Warm Spice Blend 2

Lebanese Warm Spice Blend 2 is an essential pantry staple that brings the comforting aromas of Lebanese kitchens to life. It's a versatile blend used throughout the year to infuse warmth into a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to festive rice. The blend's origins are deeply rooted in Lebanese culinary tradition, where each family might have its own slight variation, passed down through generations.

The blend should taste like a harmonious balance of sweet and savory, with cinnamon's warmth leading the way, followed by the floral notes of cardamom and the subtle heat of black pepper. Cloves add a deep, aromatic complexity, while fine sea salt ties it all together, enhancing the flavor without overpowering. Use it liberally in your cooking to bring a touch of Lebanon to your table.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspcinnamon
  • 1 tbspcardamom
  • 1 tspcloves
  • 1 tspblack pepper
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Place a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of cardamom, 1 teaspoon of cloves, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir the spices gently and continuously with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. You'll know they're ready when the spices release a warm, rich aroma and the cinnamon darkens slightly in color.
  2. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately transfer the toasted spices to a cool plate or bowl to stop the cooking process. Allow the spices to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it prevents any residual heat from altering the flavor profile during grinding.
  3. Once the spices are completely cool, transfer them to a spice grinder or a clean mortar and pestle. Add 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind the spices until they form a uniform, fine powder. The blend should have a consistent texture with no visible chunks of the original spices.
  4. Transfer the ground spice blend to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any moisture from affecting the spices. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to preserve the blend's aroma and flavor.
  5. For optimal flavor, use the Lebanese Warm Spice Blend 2 within a few months. This ensures that the spices retain their potency and contribute the intended warmth and depth to your Lebanese dishes.
Cover of Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Lebanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Lebanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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