How to Make Authentic Shawarma Spice Blend: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kirolos Reda
Jul 27, 2024
10 minutes read
66 Views

These spices combine rich flavors and delightful aromas while offering countless health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants that protect the body from diseases and boost immunity. Cumin and coriander aid in improving digestion, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, black pepper enhances metabolism, and cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels. Here are simple steps to prepare them.

Shawarma Spice Blend Ingredients

Here is a list of the essential ingredients for preparing a homemade shawarma spice mix:

1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild flavor that complements the other spices.
1 tablespoon ground cumin: Enhances the shawarma's warm and distinctive flavor.
1 tablespoon ground ginger: Provides a hint of heat and a unique taste.
1 tablespoon dried coriander: Contributes a rich, herby flavor to the mix.
1 tablespoon ground cloves: Adds a sharp, intense aroma and flavor.
1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Boosts the spice mix's heat and invigorates the flavors.
1 teaspoon sumac: Offers a slightly tangy note for flavor balance.
1 teaspoon ground allspice: Introduces a sweet touch and distinctive taste.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds depth and warmth to the blend.
½ teaspoon ground cardamom: Delivers an aromatic and unique flavor.
½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Provides a golden hue and a mild flavor.

Preparation Method

Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all the spices are fresh and finely ground for the best flavor. If any ingredients are not pre-ground, use a spice grinder to grind them into a fine powder.
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly to achieve a balanced flavor.
Grind the Blend: Use a spice grinder to grind the mixture until it becomes very fine. Grinding enhances flavor integration and ensures a smoother blend.
Store Properly: Transfer the spice mix to an airtight glass jar. Store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The mix can retain its flavor for up to 6 months.

Spice Benefits

Cumin: Enhances digestion, reduces bloating, and contains antioxidants to protect against diseases. It is rich in iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood, and contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds like carvacrol.
Coriander: Aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It reduces the risk of cancer and heart diseases, protects the liver, and strengthens the immune system.
Black Pepper: Boosts metabolism, reduces inflammation, and contains antioxidants that protect the body.
Ginger: Soothes the stomach, alleviates nausea, and supports digestion. It has anti-cancer properties, reduces joint pain, and strengthens the immune system.
Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, and contains antioxidants. It reduces joint pain and inflammation while protecting cells from damage.
Paprika: A rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens immunity, and beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. It also contains quercetin with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Ground Cloves: Antimicrobial properties help fight bacteria and viruses. They are rich in antioxidants and support oral health by reducing gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Sumac: Contains flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and has antibacterial effects.
Ground Allspice (Sweet Pepper): Helps reduce inflammation and protects cells from damage. It is a source of iron and manganese, vital for various bodily functions.
Ground Cardamom: Contains flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate gas and bloating and combats bacteria and viruses.

Tips for Using Shawarma Spice Blend

Quantity: Use a suitable amount of the blend based on the quantity of meat or chicken. Start with 1 teaspoon per 500 grams of meat and adjust according to your taste preference.
Marination: For the best flavor, marinate the meat or chicken in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight. Adding olive oil or yogurt to the mix can help tenderize the meat.
Flavor Customization: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice proportions to suit your taste. You can increase the sumac for a tangier flavor or add extra ginger for a spicier kick.

Conclusion

Preparing your own shawarma spice blend at home not only ensures control over the quality of ingredients but also adds a personal touch to your dishes. With this recipe, you can enjoy rich and delightful shawarma flavors, creating an exceptional dining experience for your family and friends. Try this recipe the next time you make shawarma, and you’ll notice a remarkable difference in taste and quality!

Note: This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy bold and diverse flavors in their shawarma. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer simple dishes or are sensitive to strong spices like black pepper and cloves.

Nutritional Values and Calories:

Paprika (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 19 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4.2 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fat: 0.9 g
Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 22 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 1.3 g
Ground Ginger (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 23 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
Dried Coriander (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 19 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Fat: 0.9 g
Ground Cloves (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
Ground Black Pepper (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 19 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.6 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Fat: 0.9 g
Sumac (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
- Fiber: 1.0 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
Ground Allspice (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
Ground Cardamom (½ teaspoon)
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
Turmeric (½ teaspoon)
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g

Note: These nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the quality of ingredients and preparation methods.

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Kirolos Reda

مرحبا بكم اسمي كيرلس رضا و لدي شغف بالمطبخ و ابتكار وصفات جديدة و معرفة كل المعلومات حول الطعام وكيفية الاستفادة من الطعام و الفاكهة ل بناء نظام صحي مفيد لصحة الانسان و لذلك قررت نشر كل ما لدي من الخبرة و تجارب علي هذه المدونة لكم و اتمني ان يكون هذه المعلومات مفيدة لكم