Homemade Baharat – A Middle Eastern Spice Blend

Homemade baharat is one of those spice blends that rewards anyone who makes it from scratch — warm, aromatic, and considerably more alive than anything that comes in a supermarket jar. The name tells you everything and nothing: bahārāt is simply the Arabic plural of bahār, meaning spice. It is, in other words, the spice blend — a foundational seasoning used across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Homemade Baharat Middle Eastern Spice Blend — The Flexible Chef

Its roots run deep. Baharat developed along the ancient spice trade routes of the Arab world, with some culinary historians pointing to Aleppo in Syria as a historical epicentre – the same city that gave its name to the prized Aleppo pepper. Arab traders brought black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves from India via the Silk Road and sea routes, and the blend that emerged from that exchange became one of the defining flavours of the region. The Ottoman Empire carried it further, and today every country in the Arab world has its own version.

Turkish baharat often includes dried mint. North African versions frequently feature rose petals. The Gulf and Lebanese seven-spice blend typically uses allspice alongside the usual warm spices. This is my version – built around smoked paprika, whole spices dry-roasted and ground, and a backbone of black pepper and cinnamon that gives it depth without sweetness.

I use it on lamb, chicken, and fish, and stirred into rice dishes and stews. It is the spice blend that goes into maqluba – a layered Palestinian rice dish that I will write up properly one day – and it is what gives that dish its particular character.

How to Make Homemade Baharat

Makes one small jar. Keeps for up to three months in an airtight container away from direct light.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• ½ tsp cardamom seeds
• ½ inch cassia bark or cinnamon stick
• 1½ tbsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Method

1. Dry roast the whole spices — Place the peppercorns, cumin, coriander, cloves, cardamom, and cassia or cinnamon in a dry pan over medium-low heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Do not let them colour. Remove and leave to cool completely.
2. Grind — Transfer the toasted spices to a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Grind to a fine powder.
3. Combine — Add the smoked paprika and ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.
4. Store — Transfer to an airtight jar. Label with the date.

The Flexible Chef Tip: The smoked paprika goes in untoasted — it burns easily and loses its character in a dry pan. Everything else benefits from toasting. Keep them separate until the grinding is done.

Use as a rub for lamb chops, chicken thighs, or fish before grilling or roasting. Stir into rice during cooking, add to stews and braises, or mix with olive oil for a quick marinade.

This recipe is part of my Spice Blends & Condiments collection.

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