Friday, June 17, 2011

Lebanese Mixed Spice

I really like mixing my own spice blends, again this is a way we can control what goes in what we are eating. I usually buy organic whole spices and grind them myself. I was going to make my Chai spice blend, that I love to use in oatmeal, tea, coffee, cookies...needless to say I love that blend. (I will post it soon) I was going to make it again, and since I put it right in my coffee I found it's better to get the pre-ground organic spices from a nearby health food store. Since I had some extra spices and a lot of the same ones go into this mix I thought I would make this seven spice blend. It is very versatile and can be used in meatballs, with chicken, pork, lamb, beef, it is used in kafta, kibbeh, and many Lebanese dishes.




This was adapted from a recipe I saw on Chowhound. Some will have you use equal parts of all seven, but sometimes cloves, and nutmeg can be a little overpowering. It's nice I can get my spices in little baggies and scoop as much or as little as I want, it's a good way to try spices.


Lebanese Mixed Spice or Lebanese 7 spice mix

  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered allspice

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoon spoons ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek

  • 2 teaspoons powdered ginger




      Mix them all together and store in a airtight container. It makes a small amount so a spice jar would probably work better, but you can always double it. I like to reuse glass jars, I do it all the time...jam jars or condiments, if it's glass I can't throw it out. Some day I'll show you what I do with them all...or maybe make some jam!

      You can use it when making tabouleh too...check out my recipe on Our Krazy Kitchen where it's my Saturday for Cultural Connections.





      Since I am out of school (work) for the summer and my husband started his own business we have been able to have more meals together. I am helping him when and where I can. We met for breakfast with a friend who is painting his office. This is an old fashioned diner type drive in, the food is good, but really basic drive in food...




      ...but it's the atmosphere (all outside) you really go for, it's fun and everyone is so friendly. Many regulars meet for lunch or breakfast.

      Do you have a hole-in-the-wall place that you enjoy going to?


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      12 comments:

      1. BoJune 17, 2011 at 8:42 PM

        I'll have to try this...I love hole in the wall places too.

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      2. Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak LoverJune 17, 2011 at 9:58 PM

        I will try this mix as I have almost all spices and some of it have been sitting too long in cabinet. Thanks for sharing.

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      3. ann lowJune 18, 2011 at 12:54 PM

        Nice mixed spice Lyndsey. I hope I can do this myself too but never heard of fenugreek. Must look out at the Market's place.

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      4. tinyskilletJune 18, 2011 at 2:01 PM

        The aroma of the spices are amazing.
        Bo - You know the places are good when it's where the locals go (we're a tourist town).

        Sonia - It tastes as good as it smells, so nice to get those spices out!

        Ann - Hope you can find it, but I'm sure it will be good without it.

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      5. CheahJune 18, 2011 at 8:57 PM

        How adventuours to mix your own spice! And it's so gratifying that what you cook with them turns out well all to your liking.

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      6. Nutmeg NannyJune 19, 2011 at 12:21 AM

        I love making my own spice mixes. It's a lot cheaper :)

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      7. Belinda @zomppaJune 20, 2011 at 6:34 AM

        Hole in the walls are the best. Sounds like a perfect blend!

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      8. My Little SpaceJune 20, 2011 at 10:01 AM

        Lyndz, I almost missed this post! Phew... a busy day here. Hope you're well. Btw, that is very nice blend of spices. Must try it out some day. Thanks alot for sharing.
        Have a great day.
        Blessings, Kristy

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      9. UnknownJune 20, 2011 at 11:54 AM

        Yum, that spice blend looks superb !!!

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      10. claudia lamascoloJune 23, 2011 at 11:23 AM

        Will have to find out where that fenugreek is? Havent heard of that spice will go google it to find it! Thank you so much for this bookmarked it cant wait to use this on fried rice, chicken and lamb your a doll!!! xoxoxo~~~

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      11. Biren @ Roti n RiceJune 25, 2011 at 11:16 PM

        That's a nice blend of spices! It will certainly go well with grilled meats. I do re-use my jam jars as some are so pretty. The Hob Nob Drive-in sounds like a good place to grab a quick bite. Enjoy your weekend :)

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      12. Taste of BeirutJuly 6, 2011 at 8:39 PM

        I admit to being lazy and buying the seven-spice mix most times but yours looks great and the kaftas you made as well. Love the little places too.

        ReplyDelete

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