Lebanese cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and one of the key components of its deliciousness is the use of Lebanese spice blends. These unique blends incorporate a variety of herbs and spices that are commonly used in Lebanese cooking, creating a burst of flavor in every dish. While you can easily buy pre-made Lebanese spice blends, making your own at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking and ensures the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. In this article, we will share a traditional Lebanese spice blend recipe that will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to spice up your cooking game!
Main Ingredients: Mccormick R Ground Cinnamon, Salt, Ground Nutmeg, Ground
This flavorful spice blend is the perfect seasoning for your beer can chicken. Made with a mix of coriander, cumin, paprika, and oregano, it adds a delicious Middle Eastern touch to your meal. Simply rub it all over your chicken and let the flavors infuse as it cooks on the grill.
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How To Cook (and Shred) a Pork Shoulder
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Mixed Spices
Looking for a different protein option for your beer can chicken? Try using a pork shoulder! This recipe walks you through the process of cooking and shredding the pork to perfection. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique meal.
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Pulled Pork Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Molasses, Brown Sugar, White Wine Vinegar
Take your shredded pork to the next level with this mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich. Topped with a tangy barbecue sauce and crunchy coleslaw, this sandwich is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Artichoke Muffaleta Po Boys
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Garlic Clove, Pickled Vegetables
Get a taste of New Orleans with these Artichoke Muffaleta Po Boys. Stuffed with marinated artichokes, olives, and a variety of spices, these sandwiches are full of flavor and make the perfect companion to your beer can chicken.
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Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Main Ingredients: Quick Cooking Oats, Pumpkin, Milk, Chopped Pecans
Looking for a unique side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? Try this baked pumpkin pie oatmeal. Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and warm spices, it's a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
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Artichoke Muffaleta Po’ Boys from Cook the Book
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Garlic Clove, Pickled Vegetables
If you're a fan of cookbooks, you won't want to miss this recipe from the book "Cook the Book". These Artichoke Muffaleta Po Boys are taken to the next level with a creamy and tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
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Artichoke Muffaleta Po’ Boys
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Garlic Clove, Pickled Vegetables
Here's another take on the classic po boy sandwich. This recipe uses artichoke hearts, capers, and red peppers for a zesty and flavorful twist on the traditional version. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and filling meal.
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Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers: Bbq Peanut
Main Ingredients: Cooked Brown Rice, Peanuts, Sweet Potato, White Beans
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to pair with your beer can chicken, give these sweet potato veggie burgers a try. Seasoned with a homemade BBQ peanut sauce, they are packed with flavor and will satisfy any meat lover.
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Spiced Quinoa and Roasted Carrot Salad
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Ground Turmeric, Ground Cumin, Ground
This hearty salad is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Made with quinoa, roasted carrots, and a variety of spices, it's a delicious and healthy side dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
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Pita Pockets with Cabbage Apple Slaw and Green Chile...
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Apples, Large Carrot, Onion, Dill Pickle
Looking for a fun way to serve your beer can chicken? Try stuffing it into pita pockets with a cabbage apple slaw and green chile sauce. The combination of flavors and textures will have you coming back for more.
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Strawberry, Apple and Oats Crumble
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Apples, Brown Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
Don't forget about dessert! This strawberry, apple and oats crumble is the perfect way to end your meal. Made with fresh fruit and a crunchy oat topping, it's a sweet and satisfying treat that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
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Oh Em Gee Veggie Burgers
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Walnuts
Even the most devoted meat lovers won't be able to resist these Oh Em Gee Veggie Burgers. Made with black beans, corn, and a variety of spices, they are flavorful and filling. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
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Freekeh, Red Lentil & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Main Ingredients: Nut, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
This hearty bowl is packed with freekeh, red lentils, and roasted veggies for a nutritious and flavorful meal. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
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KFC Double Down Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Ground Black Pepper, Chili Powder
If you're feeling adventurous, give this KFC Double Down Sandwich a try. Made with chicken, bacon, and cheese, it's a decadent and indulgent option to pair with your beer can chicken. Just make sure to save some room for dessert!
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Cajun Baked Salmon
Main Ingredients: Skin On Salmon Fillet, Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon, Spice
Looking for a seafood option to pair with your beer can chicken? This Cajun baked salmon is the perfect choice. Seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice mix, it's packed with flavor and pairs well with a cold beer.
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Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Clarified Butter, Onion, Green Beans, Diced Tomatoes
Looking to add some veggies to your meal? These Lebanese green beans with tomatoes are a delicious and healthy choice. Made with green beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, they are a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
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The Best Basic Balsamic Tofu
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
For all the vegetarians out there, this recipe for the best basic balsamic tofu is a must-try. Marinated in a balsamic vinegar and soy sauce mixture, it's a flavorful and versatile protein option that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Spice Blend
This easy Cajun jambalaya pasta is a delicious and filling side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with sausage, shrimp, and a variety of veggies, it's packed with flavor and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
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GP’s Favorite Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Spice Blend, Celery
No barbecue is complete without a tasty chicken salad. This recipe for GP's favorite chicken salad is simple yet flavorful, with a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and dill. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a light and refreshing side dish.
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Pork Schnitzel with Hops-Braised Cabbage & German...
Main Ingredients: Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, Potatoes, Green
For a taste of Germany, try this recipe for pork schnitzel with hops-braised cabbage and German potato salad. The crunchy schnitzel and tangy cabbage are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and the German potato salad adds a unique twist to the meal.
How to Make a Traditional Lebanese Spice Blend
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making a traditional Lebanese spice blend is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need cumin, coriander, paprika, sumac, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and black pepper. These spices can easily be found in any grocery store or supermarket.
Toast and Grind the Spices
To bring out the full flavor of the spices, it is important to toast them before grinding. In a dry pan, toast the cumin, coriander, and paprika over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, let them cool down before grinding them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Mix in the Remaining Ingredients
In a bowl, mix the ground spices with sumac, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and black pepper. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the blend, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Store in an Airtight Container
Once all the spices are mixed well, transfer the Lebanese spice blend to an airtight container. This will help keep the spices fresh and flavorful for a longer period of time.
Ways to Use Lebanese Spice Blend
Now that you have your homemade Lebanese spice blend ready, it's time to put it to use in your cooking. This versatile blend can be used in a variety of dishes, from meat and vegetable dishes to dips and marinades. You can sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, add it to your marinade for grilled chicken or lamb, or mix it with olive oil and serve it as a dip with pita bread.
In Conclusion
Making your own Lebanese spice blend is not only easy but also allows you to add your own personal touch to your dishes. With this traditional recipe, you can elevate the flavors of your Lebanese cuisine and impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and add a dash of Lebanese flavor to your cooking?
