The Nabulsi barbecue marinade is a blend of rich spices that adds a distinctive flavor and irresistible taste to grilled foods. This marinade consists of natural and aromatic ingredients such as black pepper, paprika, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric, giving dishes a deep and rich flavor. In addition, these spices offer many health benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Ingredients like ginger and garlic promote digestion and improve blood circulation, while paprika and turmeric contain vitamins and minerals that support skin and bone health. This secret blend also provides a rich, distinctive flavor that makes every piece of meat delicious and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
1- 1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns
2- 1 tablespoon of paprika
3- 10 cardamom pods
4- 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
5- 3 cinnamon sticks
6- Chinese five-spice powder
7- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
8- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
9- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
10- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder
Method:
- Grind all the ingredients together until you get a smooth mixture.
- Place the mixture in an airtight jar to store it for later use.
- This marinade can be used to season the meat before grilling, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
This marinade is perfect for Nabulsi cuisine and reflects the authentic Eastern culinary heritage, thanks to its unique blend of fresh and aromatic spices. Enjoy preparing grilled meats in a distinctive and delicious way with this amazing marinade.
Note: This recipe is suitable for people who enjoy strong and rich flavors, especially fans of traditional spices like black pepper and cinnamon. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer mild foods or are sensitive to strong spices.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Black Pepper: Contains "piperine," which helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption, acts as an antioxidant, and boosts the immune system.
- Paprika: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which enhance skin health, fight inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.
- Cardamom (Elaichi): Improves digestion, strengthens the respiratory system, enhances blood circulation, and contains antioxidants that support heart health.
- Clove: Contains "eugenol," which helps reduce inflammation and joint pain. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves digestion, and contains strong antioxidants that support heart health.
- Chinese Pepper: Contains natural compounds that help improve digestion and reduce bloating. It also benefits blood circulation and immune health.
- Chili: Contains "capsaicin," which helps accelerate metabolism and fat burning. It also enhances digestive health and relieves pain.
- Turmeric: Contains "curcumin," a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that promotes joint and digestive health and helps prevent some chronic diseases.
- Garlic Powder: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it helps lower cholesterol levels and improves heart health.
- Ginger Powder: Improves digestion, reduces nausea, enhances blood circulation, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
These spices not only add delicious flavor but also provide multiple health benefits that promote overall wellness.
Nutritional Values and Calories:
- Black Pepper (Salt):
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Proteins: 10.4 g
- Fats: 3.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 64.8 g
- Fiber: 25 g
- Minerals: Contains good amounts of iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Paprika:
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Proteins: 14 g
- Fats: 12.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 54.2 g
- Fiber: 34.9 g
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A and C.
- Cardamom (Elaichi):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Proteins: 10 g
- Fats: 6.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 68.5 g
- Fiber: 20 g
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and some B vitamins.
- Clove:
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Proteins: 6.1 g
- Fats: 13.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 65.5 g
- Fiber: 33 g
- Minerals: Contains calcium and magnesium.
- Cinnamon:
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Proteins: 4.0 g
- Fats: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 81.0 g
- Fiber: 53.1 g
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A and some B vitamins.
- Chinese Pepper:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Proteins: 8 g
- Fats: 15.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Fiber: 24 g
- Vitamins: Contains some B vitamins.
- Chili:
- Calories: 318 kcal
- Proteins: 12 g
- Fats: 14.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 60.1 g
- Fiber: 30.3 g
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C.
- Turmeric:
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Proteins: 7.8 g
- Fats: 9.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 64.9 g
- Fiber: 22 g
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and some B vitamins.
- Garlic Powder:
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Proteins: 16.6 g
- Fats: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 72.7 g
- Fiber: 9.4 g
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and some B vitamins.
- Ginger Powder:
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Proteins: 9.0 g
- Fats: 4.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.6 g
- Fiber: 13.6 g
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and some B vitamins.
These spices vary greatly in nutritional values, but all offer high nutritional value and health benefits when used in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal marination time for meats with this seasoning to achieve the best flavor?
To get a rich and distinctive flavor, it is recommended to marinate red meat in Nabulsi seasoning for at least 6 hours, and preferably up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for full flavor absorption. For chicken, 4 to 6 hours is sufficient, while fish only requires 30 minutes to 2 hours due to its softer texture and faster absorption of flavors.
Can it be used for chicken or fish, or is it only meant for red meat?
Yes, Nabulsi seasoning can be used for chicken and fish, but it is recommended to adjust the amount of strong spices like cumin and black pepper so that the flavor does not overpower the more delicate ingredients, such as fish.
Can it be mixed with yogurt or oil to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! Adding yogurt makes the marinade more tenderizing, helping to soften meat fibers, especially chicken. Olive oil or sesame oil helps distribute the spices evenly and gives the meat a more tender and glossy texture after grilling.
Can it be used in vegetarian dishes such as grilled vegetables or tofu?
Yes, this seasoning is perfect for grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots, as it adds a rich and warm flavor. It can also be used with tofu or roasted chickpeas to give them a smoky and delicious taste.
Can it be added to rice or sauces to give them a distinctive flavor?
Definitely! A small amount of this seasoning can be added to rice or sauces, especially when preparing spiced rice dishes such as "Bukhari rice" or "smoked rice," giving them a unique taste and an attractive color.
What is the best way to store the seasoning to maintain its flavor for as long as possible?
The seasoning can be stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can a large batch be prepared and stored in the freezer?
Yes, a large batch can be prepared and stored in sealed bags or ice cube trays in the freezer, where it will remain good for up to 3 months without losing its flavor.
Are there people who should avoid this seasoning?
People with stomach problems such as ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome should reduce the amount of strong spices like black pepper and nutmeg.
Children: The seasoning can be made milder by reducing the amount of black pepper and garlic to suit their taste.
Can the seasoning be adjusted to suit children or those who do not like strong flavors?
Yes, it can be adjusted by reducing the amount of garlic, black pepper, and hot spices, and replacing them with milder ingredients such as yogurt or honey to make it more palatable.
What is the origin of this seasoning in Nabulsi cuisine? Does it have a specific history?
Nabulsi seasoning is one of the oldest seasonings in the Levant, originating from Ottoman cooking traditions that used Eastern spices to enhance the flavors of grilled meats. It has spread over the centuries and has become an essential element of Palestinian cuisine, especially in Nablus.
Can some ingredients be substituted if they are unavailable?
Yes, if some ingredients are unavailable, the following substitutes can be used:
- Nutmeg → Can be replaced with a small amount of cinnamon.
- Fresh lemon → Can be replaced with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Fresh garlic → Can be replaced with garlic powder in the same quantity.
