Dinner

Baharat (Lebanese 7 Spice) Homemade Spice Blend Recipe

Name: Baharat (Lebanese 7 Spice) Homemade Spice Blend Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 tbsp ground all-spice powder (substitute with mixed spice); 1 tbsp cinnamon powder; 2 1/4 tsp ground coriander; 1 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3/4 tsp cumin powder; 3/8 tsp ground cloves (substitute more nutmeg); 3/8 tsp nutmeg powder (substitute more cloves); 1 tsp ground all-spice powder (substitute with mixed spice); 1 tsp cinnamon powder; 3/4 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cumin powder; 1/8 tsp ground cloves (substitute more nutmeg); 1/8 tsp nutmeg powder (substitute more cloves)

BySophie Carsel March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

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Introduction

Baharat, also known as Lebanese 7 Spice, is a fragrant and warm spice blend that adds depth to a variety of dishes. Its balanced mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices makes it a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and stews.

A close-up of a white ceramic bowl filled with finely ground brown spice powder, showing a silver spoon resting in the middle with some of the powder scooped on it. The powder has a soft, smooth texture, and the bowl is placed on a pink cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Large Batch (makes about 1/4 cup):

1 tbsp ground all-spice powder (substitute with mixed spice)
1 tbsp cinnamon powder
2 1/4 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp cumin powder
3/8 tsp ground cloves (substitute more nutmeg)
3/8 tsp nutmeg powder (substitute more cloves)

Small Batch (makes 3 3/4 teaspoons):

1 tsp ground all-spice powder (substitute with mixed spice)
1 tsp cinnamon powder
3/4 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/8 tsp ground cloves (substitute more nutmeg)
1/8 tsp nutmeg powder (substitute more cloves)

Instructions

Step 1: Measure all the spices according to the batch size you prefer.
Step 2: Combine the spices thoroughly in a small bowl, mixing until evenly blended.
Step 3: Transfer the spice blend into an airtight jar to preserve freshness.
Step 4: Store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the quantities of cloves and nutmeg to suit your taste, swapping one for the other if preferred.
Use freshly ground spices for the most vibrant flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Try roasting the whole spices lightly before grinding for a deeper aroma.

Storage

Store baharat in a tightly sealed jar kept in a cool, dry place. Use within three months for the best flavor, as spices gradually lose potency over time. When ready to use, sprinkle it over meats, stews, or vegetables. Refrain from exposing the blend to moisture to prevent clumping.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with smooth ground cinnamon powder, with a vintage silver spoon resting inside. The cinnamon is a rich reddish-brown color with a fine texture, evenly spread in the bowl and slightly heaped around the spoon. The bowl sits on a soft pink cloth on top of a white marbled surface. The spoon's handle extends out, showing ornate details, and a small amount of cinnamon dust is visible on the edge of the spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baharat in dishes other than Lebanese cuisine?

Absolutely. Baharat’s warm and complex flavors work well in a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, soups, and even rice dishes.

What can I substitute if I don’t have all the spices?

If you lack certain spices, try substituting all-spice with mixed spice or adjusting the amounts of cloves and nutmeg as needed. However, the unique blend is what gives baharat its characteristic taste, so substitutions may alter the final flavor.