A Guide to Middle Eastern Spices and How to Use Them in Your Kitchen

Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned for its vibrant, aromatic flavours, largely thanks to the rich variety of spices that have been staples in kitchens for centuries. These spices don’t just add flavour but also bring depth, warmth, and complexity to dishes. At Basfoods, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of Middle Eastern spices that can transform any meal into a feast for the senses. Let’s explore some of the most popular spices and how you can easily incorporate them into your everyday cooking.

1. Sumac: A Tangy Zing

Sumac is a reddish-purple spice with a bright, lemony flavour. It’s made from dried berries and is often used to add acidity without the liquid that lemon juice brings.

How to Use It:

• Sprinkle sumac over roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a fresh, tangy kick.
• Mix it into salad dressings for an extra layer of flavour. It’s fantastic on a classic Fattoush salad.
• Use it to season hummus or yoghurt dips for a simple yet flavour-packed appetiser.

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2. Zaatar: The Versatile Blend

Za’atar is a fragrant spice blend that typically includes thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. It's earthy, nutty, and slightly tangy—an essential for Middle Eastern cooking.

How to Use It:

• Mix za’atar with olive oil and spread it over flatbreads for a delicious, quick snack.
• Sprinkle it on roasted chicken, vegetables, or even popcorn for a zesty twist.
• Add a spoonful to your yoghurt for a savoury dip, perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables or pita bread.

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3. Cumin: Warm and Earthy

Cumin is a must-have in any spice cabinet. Its warm, earthy flavour is the backbone of many Middle Eastern dishes, from soups to stews and beyond.

How to Use It:

• Add ground cumin to rice dishes or couscous for a subtle boost of flavour.
• Mix it with other spices like coriander and paprika to create a dry rub for meats.
• Stir it into soups, such as lentil or chickpea soup, for an aromatic depth.

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4. Cinnamon: Sweet and Savoury

Cinnamon is often associated with sweets, but in Middle Eastern cooking, it’s frequently used in savoury dishes, adding a sweet warmth that balances rich flavours.

How to Use It:

• Add a cinnamon stick to your next pot of stew or slow-cooked meat for an unexpected layer of flavour.
• Sprinkle it on roasted squash or sweet potatoes for a sweet-savoury combination.
• Incorporate it into rice dishes like a spiced pilaf with raisins and nuts.

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5. Turmeric: Golden Goodness

Known for its vibrant yellow colour and mild, earthy flavour, turmeric is both a culinary and medicinal powerhouse in Middle Eastern cuisine.

How to Use It:

• Add a pinch of turmeric to rice or couscous for a golden colour and subtle flavour.
• Mix it into soups, stews, and curries for warmth and an antioxidant boost.
• Combine it with yoghurt, garlic, and lemon juice for a flavourful marinade for chicken or lamb.

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6. Cardamom: Aromatic Sweetness

Cardamom is a sweet, fragrant spice with hints of citrus and mint. It’s often used in desserts, but it’s equally at home in savoury dishes, adding a luxurious depth.

How to Use It:

• Add a few crushed cardamom pods to your next pot of coffee or tea for a Middle Eastern twist.
• Use it in savoury dishes like rice pilaf or biryani for a complex, aromatic flavour.
• Mix ground cardamom into baking recipes like cakes, biscuits, or even ice cream.

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7. Paprika: Sweet or Smoky Heat

Paprika comes in a variety of forms, from sweet to smoked, and it adds a deep, vibrant colour along with a mild sweetness or smoky heat, depending on the type.

How to Use It:

• Sprinkle smoked paprika on roasted vegetables or meats for a rich, smoky flavour.
• Use sweet paprika in marinades for chicken or lamb kebabs.
• Stir it into soups, stews, or tomato-based sauces to add warmth and depth.

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Bringing Middle Eastern Flavours to Your Kitchen

Using these spices in your everyday cooking can instantly elevate even the simplest dishes. Start small by adding one or two spices to familiar recipes, or experiment by blending them to create your own custom seasoning mix. At Basfoods, we offer all these spices and more, ensuring you have everything you need to bring the authentic flavours of the Middle East into your kitchen.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or preparing a feast for family and friends, these spices will help you create dishes that are full of flavour, colour, and tradition. Stop by our store or visit basfoods.com.au to explore our full range of Middle Eastern spices and ingredients!

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