Out of Seven spice, one case
Lebanese seven spice substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Baharat spice blend
Same amount as the seven spice
The best Lebanese seven spice substitute is baharat spice blend (1:1), or make your own with allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Each provides authentic Middle Eastern flavor for Lebanese cooking.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Lebanese cooking
One casethe full seven spice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of seven spice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baharat spice blendLebanese cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Homemade Lebanese seven spicecustomizable spice levels | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Allspice + cinnamon + cuminquick Lebanese seasoning | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Garam masala + allspicewhen baharat unavailable | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Za'atar + allspice + cinnamonherb-focused Lebanese dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Baharat spice blend
similar taste and texture
Baharat is the traditional Lebanese seven spice blend containing allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. This is the authentic Middle Eastern equivalent of seven spice, with warm, aromatic flavors good for Lebanese cuisine.
- Best for
- Lebanese cooking, Middle Eastern dishes, meat seasoning, rice dishes, stews and soups
Traditional Middle Eastern seven spice blend - the authentic Lebanese version.
Homemade Lebanese seven spice
similar taste and texture
Traditional Lebanese recipe: 2 parts allspice, 1 part black pepper, 1 part cinnamon, 1 part ground cloves, 1 part coriander, 1 part cumin, 1 part nutmeg. Toast whole spices before grinding for maximum flavor.
- Best for
- customizable spice levels, fresh spice blend, authentic Lebanese flavor, bulk preparation
Make authentic Lebanese baharat at home with traditional proportions.
Allspice + cinnamon + cumin
similar taste and texture
A simplified version combining allspice (the dominant flavor in Lebanese seven spice), cinnamon, and cumin. While not as complex as full baharat, it captures the essential warm, aromatic profile of Lebanese cooking.
- Best for
- quick Lebanese seasoning, when full baharat unavailable, basic Middle Eastern dishes
Simplified version focusing on the most essential Lebanese flavors.
Garam masala + allspice
different taste, similar texture
Garam masala combined with extra allspice creates a similar warm, aromatic profile to Lebanese seven spice. The combination provides the complex spice blend characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Best for
- when baharat unavailable, fusion Middle Eastern-Indian dishes, warm spice needs
Indian-inspired substitute with similar warm spice profile.
Za'atar + allspice + cinnamon
different taste and texture
Za'atar (thyme, sumac, sesame) combined with allspice and cinnamon creates a herb-forward version of Lebanese seven spice that works well for vegetable dishes and lighter fare.
- Best for
- herb-focused Lebanese dishes, when full seven spice unavailable, vegetable seasoning
Herb-forward substitute using traditional Middle Eastern ingredients.
How it behaves in this recipe
Lebanese seven spice (baharat) is a warm, aromatic blend that's essential for authentic Middle Eastern cooking. Unlike Japanese seven spice, it focuses on warm spices rather than heat, creating the distinctive flavor profile of Lebanese cuisine.
Tips for substituting seven spice
7 tips- Lebanese seven spice (baharat) is typically used in meat marinades, rice dishes, and stews
- Toast whole spices before grinding for maximum flavor and aroma in homemade blends
- Lebanese seven spice pairs beautifully with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in marinades
- Store baharat in an airtight container away from heat and light to maintain freshness
- In Lebanese cooking, seven spice is often combined with sumac and za'atar for complex seasoning
- Use Lebanese seven spice as a dry rub for grilled meats or mix with olive oil for marinades
- The allspice in Lebanese seven spice is the dominant flavor - don't skimp on this ingredient
Notes on seven spice
- Use individual Middle Eastern spices (allspice, cinnamon, cumin) and add them separately to dishes
- Try other Middle Eastern spice blends like za'atar or sumac for different flavor profiles
- Combine ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend) with extra allspice for a similar warm spice profile
- Use a combination of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a simplified but authentic Lebanese flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between Lebanese seven spice and Japanese seven spice?
Lebanese seven spice (baharat) contains warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, while Japanese seven spice (shichimi togarashi) contains hot peppers, sesame, nori, and sansho pepper. They're completely different spice blends for different cuisines.
Can I use garam masala instead of Lebanese seven spice?
Garam masala can work as a substitute since both contain warm spices, but Lebanese seven spice has more allspice and less cardamom. For better results, add extra allspice to garam masala or make a custom blend.
What dishes traditionally use Lebanese seven spice?
Lebanese seven spice is used in meat marinades, rice pilaf, lentil dishes, stuffed vegetables, and stews. It's also great as a dry rub for grilled chicken, lamb, or beef.
How do I make authentic Lebanese seven spice at home?
Combine 2 parts allspice, 1 part each of black pepper, cinnamon, ground cloves, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Toast whole spices first, then grind them together. Store in an airtight container.
Can I substitute individual spices for Lebanese seven spice?
Yes, you can use individual spices, but allspice should be the dominant flavor. A basic combination would be 2 parts allspice, 1 part cinnamon, 1 part cumin, and smaller amounts of other warm spices.