An easy recipe for how to make a homemade shawarma spice mix with 10 different spices. Keep this blend in the pantry ready for use anytime.
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What is Shawarma Spice Mix?
Shawarma (sha·warr·mah) is a Middle Eastern street sandwich based on the doner kebab, which traditionally is made with thinly sliced (shaved) marinated meat (beef, chicken, lamb) that has been stacked on top of each other on a gyrating vertical skewer.
The marinade consists of various spices which is known as “shawarma spice mix”.
There are different variations which is generally dependent on location in the Middle East.
I have made a mouthwatering veggie shawarma, using this blend, it's vegan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This blend is what gives shawarma its full flavored depth
- A homemade blend of spices is always better on flavor as the spices are typically fresher
- Control the taste of your shawarma seasoning, if you don’t like a certain spice, leave it out
- Can be used on a wide range of foods (really good for roasting or grilling)
- Naturally vegan and gluten free. No added sodium or sugars.
Shawarma Spices You’ll Need
Notes on some of the ingredients, the full list of ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Here’s the list ground spices in order of quantity needed to make this blend;
- 1 tablespoon Allspice (بهارحلو - Filful Franjy 7iloo) - also known as Jamaica pepper, pimento, pimento or myrtle pepper. Allspice is a brown berry from the Pimenta dioica. It was given it’s name ‘allspice’ as it resembled the flavouring of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
- 1 tablespoon Coriander (كزبرة - Kizbra)
- 1 tablespoon Cumin (كمون - Kamoon)
- 1 teaspoon Sumac (السماق - Al Simak) - a sour spice from a red fruit which grows across Asia.
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric (كركم - Kurkam) - a bright yellow rhizome
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (فلفلأحمر filfil ahmar) red pepper
- 1 teapsoon Black pepper (فلفل اسود - Falful aswad)
- 1 teaspoon Clove (كبشقرنفل - Karinful) - dried flower buds, can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (زنجبيل - Zanjabil)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic (ثوم thoom)
How To Make Shawarma Spice
Gather your spices. Measure all of the ground spices, place them in a bowl, and combine until there is an even distribution.
Storage. Store in an airtight jar in the pantry for up to a year. Keep the spice blend away from direct sunlight.
Variations
Shawarma spice can differ between Middle Eastern countries or even family recipes.
Other spices that have been used include white pepper, cinnamon or various chili.
Pro Tips
Although ground spices have been used in this recipe, whole spices can be used, and should be used when possible as this will result in better flavours.
To use whole spices, you will need to grind them which is easily done in a spice grinder (affiliate link).
How To Use Shawarma Seasoning
The typical use is as a marinade (traditional on chicken, lamb, beef) which is then placed in a shawarma sandwich, I love my delicious vegan shawarma recipe.
Sprinkle over your favourite vegetables and roast them (potatoes are awesome!)
In a grilled vegetable salad - only a small sprinkle is needed!
FAQ
Shawarma spice is made of various dry spices including coriander seeds, all spice berries, cumin pods, sumac berries, turmeric, black pepper berries, paprika, garlic powder, ginger and cloves. These spices have all been ground up and combined to create the shawarma blend of spices.
No, garam masala and shawarma spice are not the same. Whilst some of the spices used within each blend do cross over, they do contain different spices resulting in different a flavouring. Garam masala is a more general warming spice blend, while shawarma masala is specifically designed for shawarma and has a more savory flavor.
No, shawarma spice is not the same as 7 spice. The shawarma spice blend is made with 10 spices, whilst some of the spices do cross over, the flavor profile is different. 7 Spice is a little sweeter than shawarma spice which is slightly more savory.
More Middle Eastern Seasonings
If you're like me and like making your own blend of spices try making my Lebanese baharat blend, made with 7 spices. This is blend is used frequently in my Lebanese cooking.
Or a herb blend I can't live without is my tasty Lebanese zaatar blend.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Easy Shawarma Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon All spice ground
- 1 tablespoon Coriander ground
- 1 tablespoon Cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon Sumac ground
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric ground
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon Paprika ground
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon Cloves ground
Instructions
- In a bowl (or jar) add all spices. Mix until well combined.1 tablespoon All spice, 1 tablespoon Coriander, 1 tablespoon Cumin, 1 teaspoon Sumac, 1 teaspoon Turmeric, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, 1 teaspoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Ginger powder, 1 teaspoon Cloves
- Store in an air-tight jar in the pantry, for up to one year.
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Jay
Don't forget to salt it to taste!
Charli
Thisssssss spice with garbanzo beans.