Secret Ingredients in Middle Eastern Food: Exploring Our Spice Blends

Middle Eastern food is a true feast for the senses. 

From the bold flavours and aromas of spices to the vibrant colours of fresh herbs you’re in for a unique and unforgettable culinary experience when you dine at Kazbar. Middle Eastern meals are known for their use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Nobody knows how to turn the humble chickpea into smooth hummus or sesame into a silky golden tahini like the chefs of Lebanon. Combine our rich spice heritage with high-quality meats, fresh vegetables and herbs and you have a feast for the senses and a flavourful yet well-balanced option for dining that won’t hurt your waistline.

The allure of Lebanese cuisine lies in our special mixes of aromatic spices, using the little-known ingredients that hold the key to Kazbar’s tried and tested recipes that have had our guests coming back for over twenty years. Whether you're indulging in a mezze platter of hummus, babaganoush, and tabbouleh, or savouring a rich lamb dish, the beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine lies in its ability to transport you to a new world of exotic flavours with every bite.

 Babaganoush

A Flavorful Legacy

Where did these special combinations come from? The Middle East has been a hub of the spice trade for centuries, and its cuisine has been heavily influenced by the various cultures that traded in the region. Spices were not only used for flavouring food but also for medicinal purposes, and their trade was a significant source of wealth for many countries in the region.

While the region has been a trade hub for millennia, what’s sometimes forgotten is that many people from the Middle East were also famed adventurers taking their rich culinary heritage with them to all corners of the world. While a variety of dishes such as hummus and tabbouleh have gained popularity worldwide, the spices and marinades that elevate modest meats and vegetables to heroic feasts still remain quite a mystery in many Southeast Asian kitchens.

Spices on display in a Middle Eastern Market

A Spice Symphony

In Middle Eastern cuisine, spices are used to add depth of flavour to dishes and to complement the natural flavours of the ingredients. The spices often combine earthy, aromatic, and warm flavours with tang and bite, creating a complex and rich taste. Here’s how.

Lebanese 7 Spice / Sabaa Baharat

An essential spice blend found in many Lebanese kitchens, this aromatic blend is made up of a mixture of seven spices including allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, fenugreek, and ginger. The secret lies in the ratios for each element, which are rarely repeated and remain closely guarded secrets in families. The Lebanese 7 Spice can be used in a variety of ways. It is perfect for creating flavorful marinades that infuse meats with a delightful combination of spices. It also makes an excellent rub for adding a burst of flavour to grilled or roasted dishes. Additionally, this spice blend is a fantastic addition to stews, adding warmth and depth to the overall taste.

Lebanese 7 Spice/Sabaa Baharat

Sumac

Sumac is a tangy and slightly sour spice made from dried and ground berries and it’s what gives Za’atar Spice its delicious unexpected tanginess. It's often used as a substitute for lemon juice or vinegar in Middle Eastern cooking. It can be sprinkled on top of hummus, mixed in with salad dressings, or used to add a tangy kick to grilled meats. One popular dish where sumac shines is Fattoush, a Lebanese salad made with chopped vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a sumac-infused vinaigrette.

Sumac

Za’atar

Another popular ingredient often used synonymously for the spice blend, Za’atar is also a particularly spicy cousin of the well-known thyme. Za’atar spice, the mix, is often blended with other herbs such as oregano and marjoram and toasted with earthy spices like cumin and coriander.  To add a delightful twist, sesame seeds, salt, and the star ingredient, sumac, are added. Sumac, with its tangy and zesty flavour, gives Za’atar its unique and mouthwatering taste. This exquisite spice blend has been cherished for generations and is a true culinary gem in Lebanese cuisine 

Za’atar

Our Approach to Spices at Kazbar

If you’ve ever got your hands on Middle Eastern spices but found them disappointing, it could be because they have been sitting on a shelf for months. To ensure freshness, we import our spices directly from the Middle East regularly and Chef Kamel carefully handcrafts our blends to ensure the perfect balance of flavours that truly capture the essence of his heritage in Lebanon. We believe that using high-quality ingredients is essential in creating our much-loved dishes.

If you're wondering where to source these secret ingredients, your best bet is to look for speciality stores that carry Middle Eastern spices. These stores often have a wide variety of spices that are not easily found in regular grocery stores, and sourcing the spices directly from the Middle East can ensure that you're getting the most authentic and flavourful products available.

When using these spices, it is important to use them sparingly, as they can be quite potent. A little goes a long way, and it is important to taste as you go. But don't be afraid to experiment with these aromatic ingredients. Or you can leave it to the professionals and drop by Kazbar for your fix.

Discover the Magic of Middle Eastern Cuisine 

Middle Eastern cuisine, with its fusion of flavours, colours, and aromas, delights the senses and provides a world of exotic tastes. Our special spice blends unlock this cuisine's true potential. Experience bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques for a special culinary journey.

Craving a taste of Lebanese food? Visit Kazbar and indulge in our delicious cuisine. Ranked among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by Tripadvisor users, our menu offers a wide variety of dishes to satiate any craving, from hearty meat dishes to fresh and healthy vegetarian options. Our chefs use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create authentic and delicious meals. We also boast an impressive list of wines and cocktails, perfect for complementing your meal.

So, why wait? Experience the magic of Lebanese cuisine and our special spice blends by visiting Kazbar today. We also offer islandwide food delivery for a taste of the Middle East right to your doorstep.