Ingredients for Qidra Spices

• Broken Cinnamon Sticks (4 pieces): Cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic flavor to dishes and is a staple spice in many cuisines.
• Turmeric (2 tablespoons): Turmeric gives a beautiful golden color and adds a distinctive taste, along with numerous health benefits.
• Black Pepper (2 tablespoons): Black pepper is a versatile spice that enhances flavors and adds a mild heat.
• Bay Leaves (3 leaves): Bay leaves are used to impart a deep and distinctive flavor to dishes, especially in slow cooking.
• Cloves (1 teaspoon): Cloves add a warm and sweet flavor, contributing complexity to the blend.
• Ground Cardamom (1 tablespoon): Cardamom is known for its unique and aromatic flavor and is used in many Arabic dishes.
• Hot Paprika (1 teaspoon): Hot paprika adds a spicy flavor and vibrant color to dishes.
• Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): Ginger adds a spicy and sweet flavor and is also beneficial for digestion.

How to Prepare Qidra Spices

1. Preparing the Spices: Break the cinnamon sticks into small pieces. Ensure that all other spices are dry and free from moisture.
2. Mixing the Spices: In a dry, clean bowl, mix all the ingredients mentioned above well until they are fully combined.
3. Storing the Spices: After mixing the spices, transfer the blend to a clean, dry jar. Make sure the jar is tightly sealed to maintain the freshness of the spices.
4. Storage: Keep the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct light. The spices can be used for a long time if stored properly.

Uses of Qidra Spices

Qidra spices are a fantastic addition to various dishes, especially those that require rich and complex flavors. You can use them in:

• Main Dishes: Such as biryani rice, stews, and curry.
• Side Dishes: As seasoning for potatoes or beans.
• Sauces: To prepare rich sauces with distinctive flavor.

Always remember that spices are an essential element in both Arabic and international cooking, adding a touch of uniqueness to every dish. Try this wonderful blend of Qidra spices and add exciting new flavors to your meals.

Note: The Qidra spices recipe is ideal for dishes that require rich and complex flavors, but should be avoided by individuals who have allergies to spices or spicy foods, or those who prefer milder flavors.

Benefits of Spices:

• Cinnamon: Helps improve insulin sensitivity, which may aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Cumin: Enhances digestion and reduces bloating and digestive disorders.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Black Pepper: Aids in nutrient absorption from food, such as curcumin found in turmeric.
• Ginger: Acts as an anti-nausea agent and improves digestion, also beneficial in reducing joint inflammation.
• Cardamom: Used to promote digestive health and improve breath odor.
• Dried Garlic: Contains antibacterial compounds that boost the immune system.

Storage Tips:

To maintain the flavor and quality of spices, follow these tips:

• Store in a dry, dark place: Preferably in airtight glass or metal containers to prevent moisture exposure.
• Optimal storage duration: Ground spices can be stored for 6 to 12 months, while whole spices last up to two years.
• Check for quality: If the spices lose their strong aroma, it indicates a decline in quality, and they should be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Qidra spices and Mandi or Kabsa spices?

• Qidra spices contain cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and cumin, giving them a warm and aromatic flavor.
• Mandi spices rely more on smoky spices like black pepper, cardamom, and saffron.
• Kabsa spices include dried coriander, paprika, and nutmeg, making the taste sweeter and spicier.

Can Qidra spices be prepared differently?
Yes, you can toast the spices before grinding them to enhance their flavor and make them more pronounced.

Can Qidra spices be used in desserts?
Some ingredients, such as cinnamon and cardamom, can be used in dessert recipes like Maamoul or rice pudding.

Do spices affect the taste if the quantity is increased or decreased?
Yes, increasing the amount of spices can make the flavor too strong or sharp, while reducing them may weaken the taste. It’s best to start with small amounts and adjust gradually.

Can these spices be used by people with digestive issues?
People with acid reflux or stomach sensitivity may want to avoid strong spices like black pepper or ginger.

Nutritional Values:

• Broken Cinnamon Sticks (4 pieces):
  • Calories: Approximately 10 calories
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
  • Protein: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

• Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, contributes to heart health, and contains antioxidants.
• Turmeric (2 tablespoons):
  • Calories: Approximately 24 calories
  • Fat: 0.7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 4.8 grams
  • Protein: 0.9 grams

Benefits:

• Turmeric: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
• Black Pepper (2 tablespoons):
  • Calories: Approximately 14 calories
  • Fat: 0.8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3.3 grams
  • Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

• Black Pepper: Enhances digestion and contains piperine, which increases nutrient absorption.
• Bay Leaves (3 leaves):
  • Calories: Approximately 5 calories
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1.2 grams
  • Protein: 0.2 grams
• Cloves (1 teaspoon):
  • Calories: Approximately 6 calories
  • Fat: 0.3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1.4 grams
  • Protein: 0.3 grams
• Ground Cardamom (1 tablespoon):
  • Calories: Approximately 16 calories
  • Fat: 0.7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3.6 grams
  • Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

• Cardamom: Acts as an antibacterial agent, improves digestion, and reduces inflammation.
• Hot Paprika (1 teaspoon):
  • Calories: Approximately 6 calories
  • Fat: 0.3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1.3 grams
  • Protein: 0.3 grams
• Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon):
  • Calories: Approximately 5 calories
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1.1 grams
  • Protein: 0.1 grams

Total Calories: Approximately 80 calories (this is an estimated total based on the exact quantities and variation in ingredients).

Notes:

• Nutritional values may vary based on brands and the size of ingredients.
• These figures represent general estimates and may not reflect the precise values for all brands and sources.