Allspice (also called pimenta, Jamaican pepper, and myrtle pepper) is actually just one spice that tastes like a blend of spices. It's made from an unripe berry that grows in Central America and the Caribbean. The fruit is picked green, dried, and ground to make allspice. Allspice tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and …
What are Juniper Berries? Juniper berries are a small round berry that grow on conifers. They’re most notably known for flavoring gin. They have a piney, fresh flavor that’s often used in Scandinavian and Eastern European cuisine. All juniper shrubs and trees grow these berries, but some are too bitter or toxic to eat. You …
Garam Masala is a warming, aromatic spice blend from the Indian subcontinent. Blends vary by country and region (some families even have their own special blend) and it can be used on its own or in combination with other spices. Garam masala is to Indian, Pakistani, and Nepali cuisine what Ras el Hanout is to …
Dukkah (pronounced doo-kah) is an Egyptian nut, seed, and spice mix used as a topping and dip for meat, fish, and vegetables. Dukkah, in Arabic, means "to crush" or "to blend". In Egypt, dukkah is used as an all-purpose spice, and often families and vendors have their own blends. Because the seeds, spices, and nuts are …
Ras el Hanout (or Ras al Hanout) is a versatile spice blend you're going to love. It has deep, rich flavors and can be used on meat, vegetables, in soups, rice, and other dishes. What is Ras el Hanout? Ras el Hanout is a Middle Eastern spice blend used in tagines, soups, rice dishes, and …
Middle Eastern cuisine uses some of the most exciting spices and spice blends in the world. Richly aromatic and deeply flavorful, these spices are one of the reasons Middle Eastern cuisine is so beloved around the world. Here are the most important spices and spice blends in Arabic cuisine, that you should make sure to …
What is Aleppo Pepper? Aleppo pepper (or Halaby pepper) is a Middle Eastern spice made from a dried chili pepper that's crushed into flakes. It's similar to an Ancho chili in terms of heat and has undertones of sweetness and a raisin-like flavor. It's named after the Syrian city of Aleppo although it's also grown …
Fajita seasoning is a zesty, Mexican-style rub for tacos, fajitas, and more. You can make your fajita spice blend at home with just a few simple spices. Fajita seasoning can be used as a marinade for steak and chicken, sprinkled on grilled veggies, in shrimp tacos, and in quesadillas. What is fajita seasoning made of? …
Italian seasoning is a versatile herb blend that can be used to flavor Italian and other Mediterranean dishes. It's easy to make your own Italian seasoning blend at home. An Italian seasoning blend is actually just a compilation of herbs that are often used in Italian cooking (like marjoram, basil, and oregano), however, it may …
Mahlab is the pit of a small sour cherry tree (St. Lucy's) found in the Mediterranean. The pits are cracked and then ground, to form a powder. It has a fruity flavor but is also bitter. How Do You Use Mahlab? Mahlab is often used in Middle Eastern baked goods, like bread and cookies. It …