How to make popular Lebanese 7 spice (Sabaa Baharat) using seven spices in under 10 minutes. This Baharat spice mix recipe is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is also 100% tweakable to personal taste!
Bloom the spices in a large, dry (no oil) skillet. To do this, break up the cinnamon into smaller pieces and then add all the whole spices to a pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the spices begin to "pop" and smell fragrant (3-5 minutes).Alternatively, you can spread the spices across a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes at 360ºF/180ºC.
Transfer them to a bowl to cool down slightly.
Transfer the spice mixture to either an electric coffee/spice grinder OR a high-speed blender (though a larger batch will be needed to work in a blender). Grind into a powder.For a machine-free alternative, you can use a mortar and pestle to manually grind the spices into a powder consistency.
Sieve the mixture for a fine powder. If you have enough larger pieces remaining, you can re-grind them once more.
Transfer the spice blend to an airtight glass container. It can help to use a funnel.
How to Store
Store the Lebanese 7 spice in a clean airtight glass jar in a cool, dark location (like a kitchen cupboard). Aim to use the seasoning within 3 months for the best flavor, though it will last 6+months. Ensure you shake well before each use, too. I recommend storing the homemade spice blend in materials like glass, which is less porous than plastic. Otherwise, the flavor can leech into the plastic and work its way into what you next put into the container. For longer-term storage, you can store the Baharat spices in the freezer for between 6-8 months (for the best flavor). However, make sure the container is completely airtight or the entire batch could be ruined.
Notes
Making a 2-minute "cheat" version: in a pinch, you can make this Baharat spice blend in just two minutes using pre-ground spices (you can still bloom them for extra flavor, too!). I prefer to use whole spices though, as I find the flavor to be superior.
Be careful with the cloves: cloves are already a particularly strong flavor. However, I've noticed some find it more so than others. So, feel free to start with less than I've recommended and add in more, to taste.
When using Lebanese 7 spice: this spice blend is very aromatic, so is best used in small quantities (you can always increase, but you can't decrease!). When using with ground meat, I recommend around 1 teaspoon per pound of ground protein.
Check the blog post for more information on extra ingredients and serving suggestions!