My version of this homemade spice blend is flavourful and delicious. Let me show you how to make your own and how to use it with my step by step guide.
Why this shawarma seasoning is so good
Without sounding too cliché, here is why you’ll be making your own shawarma spice blend at home. Just like every other homemade spice out there, everyone makes it differently and according to their taste or what inspired the recipe. This shawarma spice blend has been carefully selected to mimic the best middle eastern flavours I have tasted and loved. Long story short, this is the best homemade shawarma seasoning.
The most obvious reason: quick and easy, 5 mins tops and your done.
It is MSG and salt-free: you do not need a flavour enhancer when making your spice blend at home. It is absolutely unnecessary and you can adjust the salt level to your taste. that said, there is no salt in today’s spice blend as you have the option to add the salt just before you marinate your proteins or veggies.
No preservatives are used in making this recipe, it is important to check the labels of the ingredients you will use for the seasoning. Make sure the spices are preservatives free and buy organic whenever you can.
You can make a big batch and store it for up to 6 months or longer
It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians
What does this spice blend taste like
The shawarma spice is fragrant, savoury, earthy, and flavourful but delicious. It is of Lebanese origin (Levantine)and should not be mistaken for the spices used in Gyro (which is Turkish).
What is shawarma seasoning made of
here is the list of ingredients in my homemade spice blend Green cardamom powder Cumin powder Smoked paprika Allspice: also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper Cinnamon Coriander powder Cayenne pepper Ground cloves Black pepper: I prefer to use finely ground black pepper for this recipe. you can use any if you have.
How to make shawarma seasoning at home
measure out the ingredients correctly, add to a dry bowl and mix to combine. Transfer the mixture to a dry airtight container. Label and store in the cupboard/spice rack and away from direct sunlight for up to 6 months or longer.
How to use shawarma seasoning
This spice blend is great on chicken, beef, lamb, veggies and legumes such as chickpeas. To every pound of protein, add about 1 ½ tablespoon of shawarma seasoning, olive oil and lemon juice to make the marinade. For best flavours, marinate from 2 to 24 hours. Flavour your dipping sauce: add about a teaspoon to yoghurt and tahini and some lemon to make the best yoghurt-tahini dipping sauce. Check my homemade shawarma chicken recipe using this homemade spice mix.
Tips
Double or triple this recipe if making a big batch
Make sure to use ingredients with long shelf lives.
Don’t be tempted to add too much cinnamon powder other than specified to the spice blend as this would overpower the spice. The cinnamon should complement the overall flavour of the spice and not overpower it. You can always add more if need be.
If using whole spices, you can toast it for a few minutes on low heat to release the aroma which will enhance the overall flavour of the shawarma spice blend.
Watch how to make it
More Middle Eastern flavours you will love
Spicy falafel wrap hummus
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Peri-peri seasoning Homemade fish seasoning Homemade taco seasoning Herbs de Provence If you made this homemade shawarma seasoning recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes to your inbox
