Middle Eastern Spice Blend

The use of whole spices is recommended, but ground spices will work fine too!

Prep time: PT10M

Cook time: PT5M

Total time: PT15M

Rating

5 stars (4 reviews)

4 cinnamon sticks (2tbsp ground cinnamon)
2 tbsp whole allspice (2 tbsp ground)
2 tbsp black peppercorns (2 tbsp ground)
1 1/2 tbsp whole cloves (1 1/2 tbsp ground)
2 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds (2 tbsp ground)
2 tbsp fenugreek seeds (2 tbsp + 1 tsp ground fenugreek, or 1 tbsp ground mustard)
1 1/2 tbsp green cardamon pods (1 1/2 tbsp ground)
2 tbsp ground paprika
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground nutmeg

If you are using pre-ground spices skip to step three. In a small, dry skillet, heat the spices, over low heat, in the following order: cinnamon sticks for 1 minute. Add the allspice, peppercorns, and cloves and heat for an additional minute. Finally add the cumin seeds, fenugreek, and cardamom and heat for another 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the spices to cool completely.
Once the spices have cooled, grind them in a coffee (or spice grinder) to a very fine powder. You may need to separate this into batches if you have a small grinder.
Add all of the grind spices to a small bowl, including the paprika, ginger, and nutmeg, and stir with a whisk to combine.
Transfer the spices to a storage jar (preferably glass) with an air-tight lid.
Store in a dark, cool, dry place for up to six months. Use as needed.

Karin Sianipar on 2020-08-06 (5 stars):
Your middle eastern spice blend is what i need in my collection of blends. You do not actually have to get a spice mill or lay out big amounts of money for fancy spice blenders. I use my regular electric coffee grinder. With the added benefit of creating wonderful mysterious coffee shortly after i used the coffee grinder for spices.I have a fine brush i use to clean out the grinder after grinding spices, but it leaves enough aroma and scent behind that is like a fine oriental hint in my ground coffee. It fades after a couple of coffee grinds, but when my Girlfriend comes to visit her eyes light up and she reckons i make the best cup in town.Especially when i grind cardamon,which is often added to a coffee brew throughout the middle east.Love from Australia from a 77 year old lady.