12 Ways with Baharat

Baharat is a warm, aromatic spice blend used across Middle Eastern cuisines. Its name means “spices” in Arabic, and there is no single definitive recipe: blends vary from region to region and household to household. Lebanese seven spice, for example, is one of many regional variations. Common ingredients include black pepper, cardamom, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice and paprika.

Explore its versatility in Egyptian Rice and Lentils, Iraqi Biryani, Baharat Spiced Chicken and Stuffed Grape Leaves. Try Arabian Pizza or Smamicha, pastries filled with Egyptian campion, or discover it in Seared Tuna with Sesame & Barberries and Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini with Brown Butter Pine Nuts.

For vegetable-focused inspiration, turn to Shubata (Burghul with Vegetables), Fried Chickpeas with Baharat and Syrian Smoky Eggplant Puree. Whether you mix your own or buy it ready-made, baharat brings depth and fragrance to dishes ranging from simple vegetables to richly seasoned meat and rice.