Lebanese Seven Spice Substitute
Discover authentic Lebanese seven spice (baharat) substitutes for Middle Eastern cooking. Traditional recipes, ratios, and cooking techniques for authentic Lebanese flavor.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Baharat Spice Blend
1:1Baharat 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 perfect for Lebanese cuisine.
Best for:
Traditional Middle Eastern seven spice blend - the authentic Lebanese version
Homemade Lebanese Seven Spice
1:1Traditional 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:
Make authentic Lebanese baharat at home with traditional proportions
Allspice + Cinnamon + Cumin
1:1A 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:
Simplified version focusing on the most essential Lebanese flavors
Garam Masala + Allspice
1:1Garam 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:
Indian-inspired substitute with similar warm spice profile
Za'atar + Allspice + Cinnamon
1:1Za'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-forward substitute using traditional Middle Eastern ingredients
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What'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.
Summary
Find authentic Lebanese seven spice (baharat) substitutes for Middle Eastern cooking. Learn traditional recipes, ratios, and cooking techniques for authentic Lebanese flavor.