Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix

A Shawarma spice mix is a classic Middle Eastern seasoning used in many meat dishes. The rich aroma comes from the use of exotic spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and other warm spices. Making it homemade is simple easy and an effortless way of adding more zing to your favorite recipes.

If you have never made a homemade spice mix before? You must try it at least once!! When you freshly ground the whole spice, the results are totally different than those you get when you use ready-made spices that have been sitting in the supermarket for months (with a shelf life of 2 years). Don't get me wrong I often do have to rely on supermarket spice mixes just because I have no time to make it.

I grew up with my mom making spice mixes all the time. She made this one particular one that had a blend of 32 individual spices. Some I had never seen in my life and some that I could never pronounce the names. But she knew them all like the back of her hand. She made this particular one just once a year and stored it in bottles for sale. Yup, they were popular and people were willing to pay her a little more than get the same at the store. Back then I use to laugh and say, "mom, it's the same thing, just different bottle". Over the years I have realized it's not the same thing at all.

I now often make my own spice mixes even when I can easily buy them at a supermarket. Honestly, it's so fresh!

The shawarma spice blend / shawarma seasoning recipe

The shawarma spice mix differs slightly from region to region (brand to brand) mostly in the number of spices used.  I like to try store-bought spice mix so I can test different variations. Some usually have extra cinnamon so you get a very distinct flavor of cinnamon, others may have a distinct flavor of cumin or sometimes even cloves.

Over the years I have come to define my own flavor and combination preference. I love it when all my spices are in perfect sync with each other. Being Indian in origin, playing with spice and creating spices blends is in my blood. I prefer a smooth blend of spices; not one that will overpower the others. So, I make my own Shawarma Spice Mix recipe.  This blend works best for me and is one that will tantalize your taste buds. There is everything and yet in such perfect harmony. Absolute heaven!

Ingredients and substitutes

• Garlic and ginger - These do come in powder form and are easier to use in spice mixes. Having said that I do love my fresh ginger and garlic so often I will substitute the powders for fresh. If you do not get the powder you can omit them in the spice mix and then add the fresh ginger and garlic directly to the meat. You would need about 1 tbsp minced garlic and ½ tbsp of minced ginger for every pound of meat. Makes sense? Free free to ask any questions in the comments below.
• Cayenne or hot paprika - It's always nice to add a bit of spice to dishes but if you don't like things spicy you can always add sweet paprika; that way you won't lose out on the gorgeous color. Often I like using the whole paprika and blend it to a nice powder myself. This gives a more rich color to the blend.
• Turmeric - I highly recommend buying turmeric from a good source. Good turmeric has lots of health benefits to it.
• Cumin - This adds a nice smoky flavor to the meat but if you do not like it (my husband cannot stand too much cumin) I suggest you reduce it but don't omit it. Cumin is always kind to meat.
• Allspice - these look like large black peppers but are actually completely different. A little goes a long way with them.

You can use the spices whole or in powder form as stated in the spice mix ingredients below. A little tip, if you use whole spices - toast them ever so slightly in an open pan. This brings out their aroma and helps grind them better.

Step by step instructions (pin)

• Combine all spices - mix thoroughly.
• Pour in an airtight spice bottle.
• Store in a cool dark place in the pantry and it will last for months.
• If you live in a hot and humid climate keep the spice mix in the fridge and it will stay good for months.

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How to use this shawarma seasoning mix?

The possibilities with this spice mix are endless.

Love kebabs? -  Marinate beef, chicken, Turkey, lamb or even fish. A squeeze of lemon and grill it up.. Yum!!

Salads and dressings - Sprinkle a little over your salad or dressing when you need a little spice in life. It's wonderfully warm and comforting.

Hummus and Tahini Sauce - The next time you eat you enjoy hummus or tahini sauce? Instead of garnishing it with paprika - try Shawarma Spice Mix!

Try my Quick homemade Shawarma Recipe or Shawarma Pocket recipe for a quick meal in 20 minutes.   This quick version of the homemade shawarma chicken is a classic middle eastern fast food. Whether you use my homemade spice blend or store-bought spice mix this is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that gets lunch in 20 minutes or less. Served with caramelized onion, simple salad and nutritious tahini sauce this meal is hearty and healthy.

Or make a full meal and try my Sheet pan Shawarma Chicken Recipe.  This sheet pan makes an easy lunch or dinner. The chicken gets a beautiful color from the spices, the onions caramelize until soft and sweet. The potatoes are perfectly roasted tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. That's a perfect lunch for me. Can you see those roasted garlic and lemon slices? That is heaven on a plate.

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