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Middle Eastern Warm Spice Blend

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

Middle Eastern Warm Spice Blend

This Middle Eastern Warm Spice Blend is a pantry essential, weaving together flavors that have graced tables across the region for generations. With roots in the aromatic traditions of Levantine and Arabian cuisines, this blend is a staple in countless dishes, from savory stews to sweet pastries, enhancing them with its unique depth. It's a versatile mix that brings warmth and complexity to everyday meals, offering a taste of the Middle East no matter where you are.

The blend's profile is a harmonious balance of sweet cinnamon and floral cardamom, underscored by the boldness of cloves and a hint of black pepper's heat. Fine sea salt rounds out the mix, highlighting the natural flavors of the other spices. This combination creates a comforting aroma and a rich, full-bodied taste that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether sprinkled over roasted vegetables or stirred into a bubbling pot, this blend infuses dishes with a signature warmth and a whisper of exotic allure.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by setting 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 with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. You'll know they're ready when the aroma becomes rich and the spices slightly darken in color, which should take a few minutes.
  2. Once the spices are toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spices to a cool plate immediately. This prevents them from continuing to cook in the hot pan, which could lead to bitterness. Allow the spices to cool completely, as grinding warm spices can result in clumping.
  3. Once cooled, place the toasted spices into a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind the spices until they form a uniform, fine powder, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed throughout the blend.
  4. Transfer the ground spice blend into an airtight container. It's important to choose a container that seals well to maintain the freshness and potency of the spices.
  5. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the aromatic qualities of the spices.
  6. For the best aroma and flavor, aim to use the Middle Eastern Warm Spice Blend within a few months. Over time, the potency of the spices will diminish, so it's best to make smaller batches if you don't use them frequently.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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