Shawarma Spice Blend (Levantine)

levantine-shawarma Shawarma is a classic Levantine Arab dish of meat (lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, or mixed meats) seasoned and placed vertically on a spit and slow roasted. It’s typically sliced thinly and served with tabbouleh, fattoush salad, bread, tomato, and cucumber and various sauces. The word “shawarma” is an Arabic rendering of Turkish çevirme ‘turning’, in reference to the rotisserie cooking of the meat, which turns around an axis. Though considered a Turkish dish by origin, it’s enjoyed through the Middle East and Mediterranean region in various forms.

½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. cardamom or cloves
1 tsp. ground coriander
1½ tsp. ground turmeric
½ tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground smoked paprika
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
⅛ tsp. ground cayenne pepper or ½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Add all spices to a small jar and shake or stir to combine. Will keep at room temperature for several months.

This spice blend is ideal for seasoning things like chickpeas, roasted vegetables, tofu scrambles, curries and more.

Makes 4 servings.