Middle Eastern Spices, Seasonings, Blends, Rubs

 A description of Middle Eastern spices and the dishes they may be used for, as well as info on culinary blends in Middle Eastern dishes.

Middle Eastern cuisine is based on healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meat, beans and nuts. It is also known for it aromatic spices and subtle flavors.

The magic of Arabian, Turkish and North African spices form the lure of Middle Eastern spices. The irresistible full bloom taste and aroma of cumin, hot peppers, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves will lure you to love cooking with spices from this region.

The spices in a Middle Eastern dish define the dish. Cardamon is used in teas, soups, and in rice dishes to add a rich, elegant, exotic flavor. Anise, cumin, cinnamon is also used often as a spice for rice dishes. Curry, thyme, sesame seeds is used in rice, fish and meat dishes. Although not considered a spice, garlic is a main ingredient of Middle Easter fare.

1. Cumin
Cumin is a very strong spice and is very spicy.
2. Nutmeg
Add a musty earthy aroma of nutmeg in Middle East meat dishes.
3. Cardamom
Cardamom is used in many beverages, yogurt dishes, meats and Middle Eastern blends. Cardamom give Arabic and Turkish coffee it's unique flavor.
4. Tumeric
Tumeric is added to meat, rice, poultry and vegetables dishesr.
5. Sumac
Sumac adds a tang to yogurts, dips, hummus, rice, meats and vegetables.
6. Saffron
saffron is used in rice dishes and desserts.
7. Caraway
Caraway produce a piquant flavor to foods with a hint of sweetness and dill. Caraway pairs well with chillies like in Harissa from North Africa.
8. Aniseed
Aniseed is one of the world's oldest spices. It is popular in sweets and breads and veggies.
9. Allspice
Allspice is used in many types of food, not just desserts. You will find it is used to flavor meats and stews, as well as sweets.
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used extensively used in Middle Eastern dishes.
11. Tamarind is also used in Middle Eastern cookery for its tart, tangy flavor. Add to soup, stews, chicken or fish. Lamb is also delicious broiled in a tamarind sauce and Middle eastern seasonings
12.Thyme is an aromatic herb with a delicious taste and brings out the flavor in any dish. Zattar, which is thyme and sesame seeds combined with other spices is delicious mixed with olive oil, then spread on a pita.

You will love using Middle Eastern spice blends and seasonings in your cooking at home.
Moroccan Spices
This dry rub, which uses spices commonly found in Moroccan cooking, is perfect on chicken or beef.
Ajika reveals Za'atar the secret of Lebenese cuisine which is added to olive oil for a dip. Also added to fish and vegetables and rubed on breads and baked.
Dukkah
Dukkah is an Egyptian spice mixture used in Middle Eastern as a dip with olive oil for bread. Use as a rub for fish and cauliflower and then pan fry.
Baharat
Baharat means mixed spices in Arabic. Baharat is a combination of several different spices consisting of spices that are available.
Ras El Hanout

Kabsa Spice Blend

Shish Kabab Spices