Experience the aromatic flavors of this Lebanese Seven Spice blend! This amazing mix of spices elevates any dish, making it a must-have in your kitchen. Perfect for adding a touch of authentic Lebanese taste.

I spent a lot of time on this trying to decipher exactly what this blend is, and originally was, as well as the ratios. It was extremely difficult because the blend varies not only from region to region, but even amongst the neighboring households. It’s also unclear if this seasoning blend started with the Levantine people (Lebanon) or in the Middle East. With the writing of this post, I make the distinction and assumption of Seven Spice being from Lebanon and Bharat from the Middle East. Commonly, the name “Seven Spice” or “Bharat” are used interchangeably.

What is Seven Spice

Seven (7) Spice is a blend of Seven Spices, that is used in numerous Lebanese dishes for adding depth of flavor in Meats, Soups & Stews, Rice and many other places. A central theme is what defines its essence: it’s warming spices, consisting of Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper, Allspice, Cinnamon, Clove, and Nutmeg. That is the fundamental baseline that underlines this Lebanese seasoning blend.

“Bharat” or “Baharat” is the Arabic word for “Spices”, and is sometimes used interchangeably. Although “Bharat” can refer to the original Seven blend (Sabaa Baharat), or with exchanging or adding additional ingredients. There are countless blends that are based off the original Lebanese Seven Spice.

Warming Spices

Warming Spices are spices that have a warming effect on the body. These unique Spices are picked and combined in different ratios to have varying effects and flavors. There are so many blends that are based on the running thread of combining warming spices.

This is a general listing of common warming spices and is not a complete list. Peppers or derivatives such as Paprika, Cayenne, Sichuan Peppers are all categorized under Chili Flakes, Peppers, or Powders.

Seven Spice Ingredients

The Original or Authentic Seven Spice blends consist only of 7 spices. Which are Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper, Allspice, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg. Sometimes, the use of both Black and/or White Pepper are used, and/or Paprika is added, common in Bharat blends. In Commercial blends, other ingredients are added. However, the original Lebanese blend consists only of seven, hence the name.

Adding adequate amounts of Salt to any dish containing Seven Spice is crucial for enhancing the flavors.

Seven Spice Ratios

The ratios vary based on preference and the type of dish. Some recipes match the amount of Allspice with Black Pepper. While others increase Cinnamon, Clove, and Nutmeg to half the amount of Black Pepper and may reduce the Cumin. Alternatively, some recipes simply combine all ingredients in equal amounts. However, feel free to increase or decrease certain spices based on preference.

Through my own experimentation, I’ve discovered the most ideal ratios, at least for my taste, as listed below. These ratios not only ensure a balanced flavor, but also allow for easy customization with other warming spices, making it adaptable to other blends like Bharat.

This is why the Original Levant version was so popular. Running with the same theme of using warming spices. Other spices can be added or exchanged to create different flavors profiles. But it all started with the basics of what a Seven Spice is and a central theme (Warming Spices).

Bharat Seasoning

Quite common for Bharat Seasoning (a Middle Eastern Blend), replaces Allspice or Cinnamon in the seven spice with Cardamom and is called “Sabaa Baharat”. “Sabaa” meaning Seven and “Baharat” meaning spices. While Middle Eastern “Baharat”, just means spices. This is made up of Seven Spice with the addition of Paprika. It can include additional Herbs & Spices and there are many versions of Bharat Seasoning.

For a Sabaa Baharat Spice blend, I use everything just the same and just replace the Allspice with Cardamon. To this, you can add in additional Herbs and/or Spices. Paprika being the most common to add for a Bharat seasoning blend.

Where is Seven Spice used

Seven Spice is a versatile blend that complements a wide variety of dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens that appreciate Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors.

It is essential in quite a few dishes, including Kafta, and Lebanese stuffed Grape Leaves. Used on Roasted and Grilled Meats, Meat Marinades, Soups & Stews, Rice & Grains, Roasted Vegetables, Breads, Salads, Dips, and so many other Lebanese and Middle Eastern Dishes. It brings a warm, aromatic flavor profile, adding complexity and depth of flavor.

Recipes using Seven Spice

Below are the recipes on JAHZKITCHEN that uses this amazing Levant Seven Spice blend.