As many of you know, I am a passionate advocate for trying and sharing herb and spice blends from my travels, which add power and potency plus nutrient dense content to our meals. You may or may not have heard of the 'mix' called 7 SPICES -- this mix varies depending upon the region it originates. I'm including 3 different '7 spices' blend recipes. You'll need to see which one may become your favourite!
Many of us are trying to choose healthy real food meals and make them in different ways to nourish our families. Adding and changing up the herbs and spices can make a delightful new dish, packed with new flavours and lots of healing powers! FIGHT inflammation with these plant allies!
There's a local company in Toronto, called Arz Bakery, packed full of fabulous products from the Middle East. Every visit to this iconic bakery is like a trip to glimpse exotic delights from the Mediterranean.
Here's the 7 spices mix from Arz:
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Cumin
Ginger
Nutmeg
Another popular mix, called "Lebanese 7 Spices" consist of the following:
Allspice
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Fenugreek
Ginger
Nutmeg
Either of these are a staple in any Lebanese kitchen. This blend can be used as a rub on chicken, fish or other meats. It can also be used in a mixture with minced beef, chicken or lamb. I have been adding to grilled veggies and tossing a pinch here and there into other veggie dishes.
I have been experimenting with the first combination above and am excited about the results.
Here's my latest idea: Aromatic Cauliflower Rice ~ It makes a delicious 'backdrop' for roasted veggies or grilled meats and fish. So much flavour! Check out the 'template' + recipe here.
If you have a local market which offers these mixtures, try them. If not, you can make these classics; just combine an equal amount of the lists above. Either mix the ground spices or if you want to optimize the flavours and have the time, start with roasting the whole spices in a dry pan, then grind and store in a glass jar with a good fitting lid.
For a more complete look at "7 Spices", there's also "Arabic Seven Spice" which is a variation of the above:
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Coriander
Cloves
Cumin
Nutmeg
Paprika
You will notice that there are several herbs in common (to save you some time --> Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves + Nutmeg), within these blends and then a few change in and out -- I am certain that these 3 ideas are but a skimming off the top of countless 7 Spice mixtures (or indeed 'many spice mixtures') found all across North Africa and the middle East, and beyond!
Black Pepper
Cinnamon:
Cloves:
I tend to use the 1st one above which is easy to purchase locally and available in small bags to ensure freshness. I have made my own, too, in a pinch with a look at these lists. To save time and money, I have also purchased larger amounts of these herbs and made my own combinations, storing in a glass canning jar in a dark cupboard.
Here's a rough idea of what I put together**:
½ cup Black Pepper
½ cup Cumin
¼ cup Coriander
⅛ cup Cinnamon
⅛ cup Ginger
⅛ cup Cloves
4 teaspoon Nutmeg
** these are all ground herbs/spices. I try to grind them just before assembly when I can.
Maybe you want to make your own too, or perhaps you'd like to 'click' and purchase online ..
Here's one that has very authentic 'roots' ~ and slightly different again! (affiliate link)
Allspice, black pepper, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, Ste. Lucie cherry (Mahlab) + coriander.
Seven Spice - Lebonese Style 2.0 oz - Zamouri Spices
Note: Mahlab is made from the seeds of a species of cherry, Prunus mahaleb (the Mahaleb or St Lucie cherry). It's used to flavour many dishes, savoury and sweet. It has been likened to a combination of
bitter almond and cherry. I have a recipe using Mahlab from my Lebanese brother-in-law.. Will post it.
What's your favourite herb blend?
Do you use herbs to boost nutritive value in your meals?
You know that this is my passion ~ I would love to hear what you and your family enjoy!
Green Blessings, Carol
Want to learn more about how to increase self reliance and use herbs in your life? There’s a festive form at the bottom of this post ~~ sign up for my seasonal newsletter and don’t miss a recipe! Let's talk!
ann sprayregen
Recently,through the ever expanding historic Lebanese American store in Brooklyn Heights, NYC, I was introduced to the centuries old Egyptian mix: : Dukkah, a wonderful combination of spices, nuts, deeds. I use it on everything!
Hope you'll find it and get to try it.
Carol Little
Thanks Ann! I have a post 1/2 written from last year .. and will get to it eventually! I do like Dukkah very much. First time I tried -- a friend brought me some back from a trip to Egypt. Don't you just love exploring the world's herbal cuisine? I know we have that in common!
Sounds like a super store!!
Raia Todd
Those mixes sound delicious! I've never tried to make anything other than a chai mix, or a taco seasoning... ;)
Kelsey
This blend sounds incredible! Excited to expand our pallets!
Libby
I love spice blends! That Arabic Seven Spice sounds especially intriguing! I'm not as adventurous as I'd like to be in creating my own blends, but this list is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Carol Little
Thanks Libby. I love that we can use a teaspoon of each -- just to make a small amount and then can add a little more of this or that to our own taste! It's the alchemist in us -- I think. Enjoy. LMK what you make!
The Food Hunter
Some interesting herb mixes for sure.
Carol Little
I can imagine you whipping up something fabulous with 7 Spices, Theresa. You are so creative!
LMK if you do!
Melissa
I am definitely going to try some of these blends. Thanks for posting Carol!
Shelby @Fitasamamabear
This is amazing! We make our own "taco spice" but that's about it. This gives me so many more ideas!
irene garner
Intrigued by these blends. Thank you.