Baharat

بهارات / bahārāt

Flavor and role: A Middle Eastern spice blend whose name means 'spices' in Arabic, containing black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander seeds, cloves and nutmeg. Warm and fragrant, not hot.
Typical dishes and uses: Kibbeh, kofta, maqluba, shawarma seasoning, minced meat dishes. In this book: can be used to season the meat for souvlaki and moussaka.
Substitutes: 1 tbsp baharat = 1 tsp each of black pepper, cumin and paprika + ½ tsp each of cinnamon, allspice and coriander seeds + a pinch each of cloves and nutmeg.
Storage: In an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Blends are best used within 6 months; home-toasted and ground blends are most fragrant for 1-2 months.
Main countries: Lebanon · Türkiye · Saudi Arabia
Used in this book: Chicken Machboos (Emirati Spiced Chicken and Rice)Chicken Kabsa Chicken Shawarma Black Lime Chicken Machboos Paella (Emirati x Spanish)Crispy Machboos Popcorn Chicken with Black-Lime Yogurt Hummus bil Lahme with Spiced Beef and Pine Nuts Kabsa Chicken Paella Kabsa Arancini with Daqqus Dip Chicken Shawarma Tacos Shawarma Loaded Fries

Updated 2026-10-10