How to Make Shawarma Spice at Home (And Why It’s Good for You)
When you think of flavor, do you picture a long list of ingredients and complicated recipes? It doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes the best food comes from simple, time-tested blends. Shawarma spice is one of those blends. It’s warm, fragrant, and deeply rooted in history. With a few everyday ingredients, you can bring a taste of the ancient world into your own kitchen.
What Is Shawarma Spice?
Shawarma spice is a mix of herbs and seasonings often used in Middle Eastern cooking. The blend was made to flavor slow-roasted meat cooked on a vertical spit. Often spinning over hot coals. Over time, it became popular far beyond its original region because of its bold, layered taste.
There isn’t one “right” recipe. Families and cultures often have their own version, passed down for generations. That’s the beauty of it—it’s flexible, adaptable, and designed to suit what’s on hand.
Why Make Your Own?
In today’s world, many pre-packaged spice blends are full of preservatives. Or they have anti-caking agents, or excess salt. By making your own, you:
Stay natural: Use only what you want, without additives.
Save money: Buying individual spices in bulk is often cheaper than packaged blends.
Stay connected: Creating your own mix ties you to traditions of cooking from scratch.
Adapt to taste: Like it spicier? Add more cayenne. Prefer it mellow? Reduce the pepper.
Making your own spice blend is more than cooking. It’s a small ritual of slowing down, measuring with your senses, and reconnecting with your food.
The Core Ingredients
Most shawarma spice blends use a mix of warm, earthy flavors. Here’s a simple base recipe you can make today:
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
Mix all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Store in a sealed container for up to six months.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about shawarma spice is how easy it is to adjust:
For a sweeter blend: Add nutmeg or allspice.
For smoky depth: Double the smoked paprika.
For extra heat: Add chili flakes or more cayenne.
For a herbal touch: Mix in dried oregano or thyme.
This flexibility makes it perfect for experimenting in your kitchen.
How to Use Shawarma Spice
You don’t need a spit or a fancy oven to enjoy this blend. Try these ideas:
Rub on meat: Coat chicken, lamb, or beef before grilling or roasting.
Toss with veggies: Sprinkle over cauliflower, potatoes, or carrots before roasting.
Mix into grains: Add to rice, quinoa, or bulgur while cooking for a fragrant boost.
Season dips: Stir into yogurt or hummus for a quick, flavorful sauce.
Sprinkle on snacks: Try it on popcorn, roasted nuts, or homemade chips.
The Ancestral Connection
Spices were once prized as medicine, currency, and sacred offerings. They weren’t only about taste—they were about life. Cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric have long histories of use in ancient healing systems. Cooking with spices is a way of carrying forward traditions that nourished both body and spirit.
When you take the time to make your own spice blend, you’re connecting to that lineage. You’re slowing down in a fast-paced world and choosing intention over convenience. It’s a reminder that food is more than fuel—it’s story, culture, and memory.
Health Benefits of Shawarma Spice
Each ingredient adds its own health boost:
Cumin: Supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
Turmeric: Known for anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: Helps balance blood sugar and adds warmth.
Garlic: Strengthens the immune system.
Paprika: Rich in antioxidants that support overall wellness.
Together, they create a powerful, flavorful tool for both taste and health.
Try It Yourself
This week, make your own jar of shawarma spice. Use it to season one meal and notice the difference in flavor and feeling. Cooking from scratch with intentional ingredients is one small step toward living in alignment with your body and the earth.
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