Middle Eastern cooking is famous for its strong flavors, fragrant spices, and colorful ingredients that make every dish pop. Spices give each meal a special taste and richness. Whether you're cooking for a celebration or just trying out new flavors at home, knowing the basic spices of Middle Eastern cuisine will bring new taste to your cooking. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular spices used in festive ethnic Middle Eastern dishes, like sumac, za'atar, saffron, and more, and show you how to use them to create tasty meals.
1. Sumac: The Tangy Touch
Sumac is a standout spice in Middle Eastern cooking, famous for its vibrant red hue and tangy and lemon-like taste. This famous spice is made from dried and ground sumac berries, which brings a zesty kick that perfectly balances rich dishes and adds a refreshing touch.
Uses: Sumac is often sprinkled over salads like fattoush, mixed into marinades for meats, or used as a garnish for dishes such as hummus and baba ganoush. It’s also a great substitute for lemon juice or vinegar when you want a subtle acidity without extra liquid.
Festive Application: Sumac adds an unmistakable tartness that complements roasted meats, making it perfect for holiday lamb or chicken dishes. You can also use it to make sumac onions, a popular Middle Eastern side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
Tip: Mix sumac with olive oil and drizzle it over roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
Cultural Insight: Sumac has been used for centuries across the Middle East for its culinary and medicinal properties. It was a popular souring agent before lemons became widespread in the region.
2. Za'atar: A Versatile Herb Blend
Za'atar isn’t just a spice; it’s a mix of dried herbs (like thyme or oregano), sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. This fragrant blend is a favorite in Middle Eastern cooking, loved for its earthy, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Uses: Za'atar is traditionally mixed with olive oil and spread over flatbread to make manakeesh, a popular Middle Eastern breakfast dish. It can also be sprinkled over roasted vegetables, meats, or even incorporated into dips like labneh.
Festive Application: During festive occasions, za'atar is often used to season roasted chicken or lamb, adding an herby aroma that fills the entire kitchen. You can also use it as a seasoning for holiday appetizers like za'atar-spiced pita chips or cheese-filled pastries.
Tip: Store-bought za'atar can vary in taste, so feel free to experiment by adding more sumac or sesame seeds to suit your palate.
Cultural Insight: Za'atar is not only a culinary staple but also holds cultural significance in the Levant, where it is often associated with good health and well-being.
3. Saffron: The Golden Luxury
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, appreciated for its bright golden color and sweet flavor. It comes from the crocus flower, just a few strands can add both a lovely color and a special floral taste to any kind of food.
Uses: Saffron is used to flavor and color rice dishes, such as saffron rice or pilaf. It’s also a key ingredient in desserts like saffron pudding and is often added to festive beverages like saffron tea or milk.
Festive Application: Saffron is synonymous with luxury and celebration, making it an essential spice for holiday dishes. Use saffron in lamb stew or rice pilaf to give your holiday spread a beautiful golden color and an unmistakable aroma that signifies something special.
Tip: To get the most out of saffron, steep the threads in warm water or milk before adding them to your dish to release their full flavor and color.
Cultural Insight: Saffron has been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years and has long been considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, often used in special occasions and ceremonies.
4. Cardamom: Aromatic Sweetness
Cardamom is a handy spice that' can be used for both sweet and savory dishes in the Middle East. Its warm, citrusy, and slightly minty taste makes it a popular choice for holiday cooking, especially in desserts and ethnic dishes.
Uses: Cardamom is used to flavor coffee (qahwa), tea, and a variety of desserts such as baklava and maamoul (a type of date-filled cookie). It’s also used in savory dishes like kebabs and rice pilafs.
Festive Application: During festive gatherings, cardamom is often used to make Arabic coffee, a symbol of hospitality and warmth. It can also be added to holiday cookies or cakes, giving them a distinctive, aromatic sweetness that embodies the spirit of Middle Eastern celebrations.
Tip: For the best flavor, buy whole cardamom pods and grind the seeds as needed. This will preserve the spice’s fresh, aromatic qualities.
Health Benefits: Cardamom is known for its digestive properties and is often used in traditional medicine to relieve stomach discomfort and promote good digestion.
5. Cinnamon: Warm and Comforting
Cinnamon is a popular spice in Middle Eastern cooking. It brings warmth and sweetness to homemade dishes and makes them special. Its cozy aroma and taste make it a perfect choice for festive and traditional ethnic meals.
Uses: Cinnamon is often added to stews, tagines, and rice dishes, as well as sweets like rice pudding and baklava. It pairs particularly well with lamb and chicken, adding depth to meat dishes.
Festive Application: During festive occasions, cinnamon is used in dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine, where it combines with dried fruits, creating a rich, sweet-savory balance perfect for special gatherings. It’s also a key ingredient in mulled wine or spiced tea, adding a cozy element to winter celebrations.
Tip: When using cinnamon in savory dishes, balance it with other spices like cumin and coriander to create a harmonious blend.
Health Benefits: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to holiday dishes for both flavor and health.
6. Cumin: Earthy and Deep
Cumin is an essential spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, which is famous for its peppery flavor. Using this spice brings a more natural and beautiful depth to the dishes.
Uses: Cumin is commonly used in spice blends like baharat and ras el hanout, as well as in dishes like falafel, hummus, and kebabs. It’s also used to flavor stews and soups, providing a warm, grounding element.
Festive Application: For festive meals, cumin is often used in stuffed vegetables (mahshi) or lamb dishes, enhancing the flavor with its rich, aromatic notes. It can also be added to roasted nuts, creating a flavorful snack for guests.
Tip: Toast cumin seeds before grinding them to intensify their flavor and add complexity to your dishes.
Health Benefits: Cumin aids digestion and is known for its antioxidant properties, making it a healthy addition to festive dishes.
7. Allspice: The Blend of Many Flavors
Allspice tastes like a combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It is widely used in Middle Eastern cooking for its warm and slightly sweet flavor. This spice is mainly used for making ethnic meals in festive seasons.
Uses: Allspice is a key ingredient in kibbeh, meat stews, and spice rubs for grilled meats. It’s also used in desserts, adding a warm spice note that enhances sweet flavors.
Festive Application: During the holidays, allspice is often used in stuffed grape leaves and meat pies (sfeeha), giving these dishes their distinctive festive aroma and depth of flavor.
Tip: Allspice pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it an excellent addition to both savory and sweet holiday dishes.
Cultural Insight: Allspice is believed to have originated in Jamaica, but it has become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, often used in dishes prepared for celebrations and gatherings.
8. Turmeric: The Golden Spice
Turmeric is well-known for its vibrant yellow color and earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It is used widely in Middle Eastern foods to add color, taste and vibrancy.
Uses: Turmeric is used in rice dishes, stews, and soups, imparting a golden hue that is synonymous with Middle Eastern cooking. It’s also added to marinades for meats and vegetables.
Festive Application: Turmeric is used in festive dishes like golden rice or marinated chicken, adding not only color but also an earthy flavor that complements other spices beautifully.
Tip: Be cautious with the amount of turmeric you use, as its flavor can be quite potent. A little goes a long way!
Health Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a beneficial addition to festive dishes.
Conclusion
Middle Eastern spices are the secret to the flavorful and aromatic dishes that make festive occasions in the region so special. From the tangy kick of sumac to the rich scent of saffron, these spices add warmth and depth to every meal. By using these spices in your holiday cooking, you can bring the lively flavors of the Middle East to your table, celebrating culture, history, and taste. Whether you're roasting meats, making savory rice, or baking sweet treats, these spices will create unforgettable dishes, which are perfect for sharing with family and friends. So embrace the warmth and richness of Middle Eastern spices, and make your festivals more remarkable.
Bonus Recipe: Try this Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe for your next festive gathering!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain.
- In a pot, melt the butter and add the rice, stirring for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the saffron water, 4 cups of water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Enjoy this vibrant, aromatic dish alongside your favorite Middle Eastern main course!