Citric Acid Free Baharat
Warm, aromatic, and deeply complex, this Middle Eastern spice blend brings together black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and a whisper of cayenne into something truly special. It's the kind of blend that transforms a simple braise, roasted meat, or grain dish into something that tastes like it took hours of careful seasoning. Many store-bought spice blends and seasoning mixes sneak in citric acid as a preservative or anti-caking agent, which makes homemade the only reliable route for anyone avoiding it. Every single ingredient here is a pure, whole spice — nothing added, nothing hidden. Whisking everything together takes about two minutes, and if you have whole spices on hand, a quick pass through a grinder makes the flavors even more vivid. Stored in an airtight jar away from heat and light, this blend stays fragrant and potent for up to three months. Once you have a jar of this on your shelf, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground dried ginger
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, dried ginger, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- 2
If using whole spices, grind them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until finely ground before combining.
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