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This flavorful Mediterranean spice blend combines the bold flavors of Aleppo pepper, Mediterranean oregano, toasted cumin, sweet paprika, and sumac with the subtle tones of black peppercorn, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a versatile seasoning that can enhance any dish with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Classic Spice Blend!
Customize Away!
By making your own blend, you can adjust the ratios of spices to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Freshness: Homemade spice blends are fresher than store-bought blends, which can sometimes sit on shelves for long periods of time and lose their flavor.
So Better Than Store-Bought Blends!
When making your own blend, you can choose high-quality spices and ensure that they are fresh and free from additives and preservatives.
So Much Cheaper!
Making your own spice blend can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made blends, especially if you already have some of the individual spices on hand.
Grab and Go!
Having a homemade spice blend on hand can make meal preparation quicker and easier, as you can simply add the blend to your dish instead of measuring out individual spices.
What is Mediterranean Seasoning?
This Mediterranean Spice Blend is a wonderful variety of herbs and spices that are considered staple Mediterranean flavors — Aleppo Chili, Mediterranean Oregano, Sumac — flavors that are found in a multitude of Mediterranean dishes.
How to Use This Spice Blend
Easy to add as a dry rub to fish, chicken or vegetables. Sprinkle on a sandwich or salad. Add it to couscous or a simmering pot of lentils. Create a delicious marinade by adding fresh garlic and olive oil. Use it as a dip for fresh bread. Sprinkle it over hummus. The possibilities are endless!
Notes On Ingredients & Substitutions
Please check out the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and specific measurements.
Spices
Cumin has a warm, earthy and slightly bitter taste with hints of citrus and pine. Toasting cumin seeds can help bring out the seeds earthy flavors and reduce the bitterness.
Black Peppercorn
Black peppercorn is known for its heat with a bit of pine flavor. Toasting peppercorns prior to crushing or grinding them enhances the aroma and flavor of the pepper, bringing out the full potential of the essential oils in the peppercorns. This results in a more complex, smoky, and spicy taste.
Aleppo Chile
The Aleppo pepper has a moderate heat level and the flavor is similar to the Ancho Chili Pepper. The pepper is quite mild with a fruitiness and includes cumin-like undertones. We recommend Aleppo Chile powder that has not added salt to the drying process.
Mediterranean Oregano
Mediterranean Oregano a sweeter and milder version to its Mexican Oregano counterpart which is more strong with a hint of menthol.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is a Spanish specialty where the pepper is slowly cooked over oak creating a smoky, woodsy, spicy flavor.
Sumac
Sumac is an essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, with its tangy, smoky, and earthy profile, balanced with a hint of tartness. It has a rich red color and a delightful, zesty citrus flavor.
Onion Powder
Onion powder, well, tastes like onion … and a bit of garlic. It should have a sharp, yet sweet smell. This enhances the depth of flavor to the spice mix.
Garlic Powder
Garlic Powder has a milder and sweeter taste than fresh garlic. This also is superb at enhancing the depth of flavor to the spice blend.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is a crunchier and sharper flavor than table salt.
How to Make This Classic Seasoning
Step No. 1 — Toast Away
Toast Cumin Seeds and Black Peppercorns in a saute pan over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until the seeds start to toast and turn brown. Turn the heat off and let seeds and peppercorns cool for a couple of minutes.
Step No. 2 — Grind Away
Transfer the toasted cumin seeds and peppercorns to a spice grinder and thoroughly grind. Transfer to the airtight container.
Step No. 3 — Mix It Up
Add the remaining ingredients — Aleppo Chili, Mediterranean Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Sumac, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Sea Salt— to the airtight container. Shake to mix up or stir thoroughly.
Step No. 4 — Sprinkle Away
Sprinkle on your favorite foods and savor the delicious flavors! Enjoy for up to 6 months in an airtight container in a dark and cool place.
Top Tips
buy online for high-quality spices
Purchasing spices online is a good option if they are not available at a local store. Many online retailers offer a wide selection of high-quality spices, herbs, and seeds at competitive prices. Just make sure to check for reputable suppliers with good customer reviews to ensure the authenticity and quality of the products.
Make It Toasty
Toasting the seeds brings out a more intense flavor. The heat from toasting activates the natural oils and sugars in the seeds, causing them to caramelize and enhance the taste. Be careful! It is important to keep an eye on them as they can go from toasted to burnt very quickly.
Fresh Is Best! Even With Dried Spices!
Using high-quality and fresh ingredients is so important for a successful spice blend. It’s also important to store them properly and in small quantities to maintain their flavor and aroma. Older ingredients can result in a less flavorful blend and shorter shelf life.
Substitutions
There might be a few herbs and spices that you do not have on hand. If you have the opportunity to buy high-quality versions of these online, I highly recommend taking that extra step. But if you would rather rely on more readily available versions or alternatives, that is completely fine too.
Aleppo Chile Replacement
A mix of sweet paprika and cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for Aleppo pepper. The ratio of paprika to cayenne will depend on your desired level of heat, but starting with a 4:1 ratio of paprika to cayenne is a good place to begin.
Mediterranean Oregano Replacement
Simple enough! Regular oregano would work well here too.
Sumac Replacement
Lemon zest can be a good alternative to sumac as it provides a bright, tangy flavor. Using lemon zest instead of lemon pepper also has the advantage of avoiding the extra salt in the lemon pepper.
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Pin ItHow To Store
A cool, dark and dry place with good ventilation is ideal for storing spices and seasonings. Keeping them in airtight containers helps to preserve their freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.
How Long Can You Keep a Spice Blend?
Ground spices lose their freshness the quickest and typically don’t last past six months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it’s time to say goodbye. Whole spices, on the other hand, can be fine for up to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mediterranean seasoning and Italian seasoning share some similar herbs but have distinct flavor profiles. Mediterranean seasoning is more robust and versatile, influenced by various Mediterranean countries. Italian seasoning, on the other hand, is milder and specifically tailored to Italian cuisine. They can be used interchangeably in some dishes, but differences in flavor may be noticeable.
Mediterranean seasoning is typically gluten-free and vegan, but it’s essential to check the specific ingredients and any potential cross-contamination in store-bought blends. Homemade Mediterranean seasoning recipes often consist of herbs and spices, making them suitable for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan diets. Always review labels or ingredient lists for any added components that may not align with your dietary restrictions.
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in Mediterranean seasoning, but it’s essential to consider the impact on flavor and storage. Fresh herbs have a more potent flavor than dried ones, so you’ll need to adjust quantities accordingly. Also, be aware that fresh herbs can reduce the shelf life of the seasoning. If you use fresh herbs, store the blend in the refrigerator and use it within a few days to maintain freshness.
Mediterranean Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Cumin Seed — toasted and ground
- 1 tbsp Coriander Seed — toasted and ground
- 1 tbsp Black Peppercorn — toasted and ground
- 2 tbsp Mediterranean Oregano
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Sea salt
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Instructions
Toast the Seeds
- Toast Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds and Black Peppercorns in a saute pan over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until the seeds start to toast and turn brown. Turn heat off and let seeds and peppercorns cool for a couple of minutes.
Grind the Seeds
- Transfer the toasted cumin seeds, coriander seeds and peppercorns to a spice grinder and thoroughly grind. Transfer to the airtight container.
Shake It All Up
- Add the remaining ingredients — Mediterranean Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Sea Salt— to the airtight container. Shake to mix up or stir thoroughly.
Enjoy!
- Sprinkle on your favorite foods and savor the delicious flavors! Enjoy for up to 6 months in an airtight container in a dark and cool place.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
