Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich aromas, warm spices and surprising flavor combinations. From fresh citrus notes to deep, earthy tastes: with the right herbs you can easily give your dishes more character. But which Middle Eastern herbs are there and how do you use them in the kitchen?
In this article you will discover the best-known herbs and spices from the Middle East, learn what they taste like and get practical tips to start using them yourself.
What are Middle Eastern herbs?
By Middle Eastern herbs we mean both dried herbs and spices that are widely used in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Turkey and parts of North Africa. They form the basis of dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab, couscous and roasted vegetables.
Often various ingredients are combined into characteristic spice blends that make a dish instantly recognizable.
1. Za’atar
Za’atar is perhaps the best-known spice blend from the Middle East. The composition varies by region, but usually contains wild thyme, oregano, sesame seeds and sumac.
Taste: spicy, nutty and slightly citrusy.
Good with:
- Flatbread with olive oil
- Roasted vegetables
- Chicken and lamb
- Hummus and yogurt dip
- Salads
2. Sumac
Sumac is made from dried and ground berries and has a strikingly fresh, slightly sour flavor.
Taste: similar to lemon, but softer and fruitier.
Use sumac on:
- Grilled meats
- Salads
- Onion rings
- Hummus
- Fish dishes
3. Baharat
Baharat literally means "spices" and is a versatile spice blend that differs by country. It often contains black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, paprika, nutmeg and cloves.
Taste: warm, aromatic and slightly sweet.
Perfect for:
- Minced meat
- Stews
- Lamb
- Rice dishes
- Lentil soup
4. Cumin
Cumin is an indispensable flavoring in many Middle Eastern recipes.
Taste: warm, earthy and slightly nutty.
Goes well with:
- Falafel
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Minced meat
- Oven-roasted vegetables
5. Cardamom
Cardamom is used both in savory dishes and in desserts and coffee.
Taste: sweet, floral and slightly citrusy.
Delicious in:
- Rice dishes
- Coffee
- Cookies
- Marinades
- Stews
6. Cinnamon
Although many people associate cinnamon only with sweet dishes, it also plays an important role in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Taste: warm and slightly sweet.
Use cinnamon in:
- Lamb dishes
- Tagines
- Rice
- Minced meat mixtures
- Nut mixes
7. Coriander seed
Ground coriander seed has a mild citrusy flavor and forms the base of many spice blends.
Pairs well with:
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Chili
8. Saffron
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and gives dishes a golden-yellow color and a subtle floral flavor.
Often used in:
- Rice
- Fish dishes
- Stews
- Desserts
9. Dukkah
Dukkah is a mixture of nuts, sesame seeds and spices that originally comes from Egypt.
Use as a topping for:
- Bread with olive oil
- Salads
- Roasted vegetables
- Eggs
- Avocado
10. Ras el hanout
Ras el hanout roughly translates as "the best of the shop" and is a complex spice blend that can consist of dozens of different spices. The exact composition varies by producer, but often includes cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric and black pepper.
Taste: warm, aromatic, slightly sweet and richly spiced.
Ras el hanout is delicious in:
- Couscous dishes
- Tagines
- Roasted vegetables
- Chicken and lamb
- Rice dishes
- Marinades
Which herbs go well together?
One of the strengths of Middle Eastern cuisine is combining flavors. Some classic combinations are:
- Cumin + coriander + paprika for falafel or minced meat.
- Za’atar + olive oil as a dip for bread.
- Sumac + red onion for a fresh topping on salads.
- Cinnamon + baharat for stews with lamb.
- Cardamom + cinnamon for coffee and desserts.
Experimenting yourself with Middle Eastern flavors
You don't need an extensive pantry to bring Middle Eastern flavors into your home. With a few basic products such as cumin, sumac, za’atar and baharat you can already vary endlessly.
Use them, for example, to give roasted vegetables extra flavor, freshen up a yogurt dip or give a simple chicken marinade more depth. A few tasty recipes for cottage cheese dips with global spices can be found here:
3 Whipped Cottage Cheese Dips with Global Spices (Za’atar, Cajun & Ras el Hanout)
Frequently asked questions
1. Are Middle Eastern herbs spicy?
Not necessarily. Many spice blends are aromatic and warm in flavor. Spiciness usually comes from chili pepper or harissa.
2. What is the difference between za’atar and baharat?
Za’atar is a herbaceous mix including thyme and sumac, while baharat is a warm spice blend with ingredients such as cumin, cinnamon and pepper.
3. Which herbs do you use for falafel?
Cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley and sometimes a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili are often used.
4. Is sumac the same as lemon pepper?
No. Sumac has a natural, fruity acidity without a peppery bite and is made from ground berries.
5. Which Middle Eastern herbs are suitable for vegetarians?
Almost all of them. Especially za’atar, sumac, cumin and baharat add a lot of extra flavor to vegetables, legumes and grains.
