Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes a combination of spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and cloves. The specific blend of spices can vary depending on the recipe or region.
The flavor of baharat is warm, savory, and slightly sweet. Baharat is commonly used to season meat, fish, and poultry dishes, as well as stews, soups, and vegetable dishes. It can also be used to flavor pickles and marinades.
You can source Baharat from specialty stores that carry Middle Eastern ingredients or online. Some supermarkets carry Baharat as well. You can also make your own blend by mixing the spices in the right proportion.
While some people compare baharat to the Indian spice garam masala, the latter tends to be spicier than baharat.
Baharat can be used in a number of food dishes and recipes
Here are a few food recipes and dishes that commonly include baharat:
- Kofta: Ground meat (usually beef, lamb or a mix of both) mixed with spices and herbs, shaped into balls or patties, and then grilled or fried.
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef) that is marinated in a blend of spices, including baharat, and then cooked on a spit.
- Tagine: A traditional North African stew that is made with meat, vegetables, and a variety of spices, including baharat and is cooked in a clay vessel called a Tagine.
- Kebab: Small chunks of meat (usually lamb) that are marinated in a blend of spices, including baharat, and then grilled on skewers.
- Baba Ghanoush: A Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and baharat.
- Falafel: Fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas and spices, including baharat.
- Mujadara: A traditional Lebanese dish made from lentils and rice, seasoned with a blend of spices including baharat.
- Fattoush: A traditional Middle Eastern salad made with chopped vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread, and dressed with a lemon and olive oil dressing.
- Kibbeh: A Middle Eastern dish made from ground meat and cracked wheat, mixed with spices including baharat and shaped into balls or patties.
- Chicken Shawarma: Chicken marinated with a blend of spices including baharat, grilled and serve with hummus, pickles and wrapped in a pita bread.
A typical baharat recipe
A typical baharat recipe typically includes a combination of the following spices:
-Black pepper
-Cinnamon
-Cumin
-Cloves
-Cardamom
-Nutmeg
-Allspice
-Paprika
-Coriander
-Dried mint
The specific proportions of each spice can vary depending on personal taste or regional preference.
Here is a basic recipe for making baharat:
Ingredients:
-1 tablespoon black peppercorns
-1 tablespoon cumin seeds
-1 tablespoon coriander seeds
-2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
-2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
-1 teaspoon ground cloves
-1 teaspoon ground allspice
-1 teaspoon ground cardamom
-1 teaspoon paprika
-1/2 teaspoon dried mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- In a dry pan, roast the peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
- Once the spices are cooled, grind them in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
- Mix the ground spices with the remaining spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, cardamom, paprika and dried mint if using).
- Store the baharat in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
You can adjust the amount of each spice in this recipe to your liking. If you want it to be less spicy you can reduce the black pepper for example.
Summary
Baharat seasoning has a warm, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. The blend of spices used in baharat can vary, but it typically includes a combination of black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give baharat a complex, aromatic flavor that is both spicy and slightly sweet.
As such, it can be used in a wide range of dishes with meats, fish, poultry and vegetables and also with pickles and in marinades.
The exact flavor profile will depend on the specific blend of spices used and how they are balanced. Some Baharat mixtures are more on the sweeter side while others are more pungent and spicy.