Baharat facts for kids

A small jar of homemade Gulf-style baharat

Baharat is a super popular spice mix from the Middle East! The word "Baharat" actually means "spices" in Arabic. It's a blend of finely ground spices that cooks use to make many dishes taste amazing. You'll often find it seasoning meats like lamb, chicken, and beef. It's also great in fish dishes and soups. Sometimes, people even use it as a tasty topping for their food.

What Does "Baharat" Mean?

The word "Baharat" comes from the Arabic language. It simply means "spices"! It's the plural form of "bahār," which means "spice." Long ago, India was a big producer and trader of spices. So, the word "Baharat" might even come from the Indian name "Bharata," an ancient emperor.

What's in Baharat?

Ingredients for a Gulf-style Baharat

The ingredients in Baharat can change depending on where it's made. Different regions have their own special recipes! But here are some common spices you might find in a Baharat mix:

• Allspice
• Black pepper
• Cardamom seeds
• Cinnamon bark
• Cloves
• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Nutmeg
• Turmeric
• Saffron
• Ginger
• Dried red chili peppers or paprika

A Common Baharat Recipe

Here's an example of how some people make Baharat. They mix these finely ground spices:

• 6 parts paprika
• 4 parts black pepper
• 4 parts cumin seeds
• 3 parts cinnamon
• 3 parts cloves
• 3 parts coriander seeds
• 3 parts nutmeg
• 1 part cardamom pods

You can rub this spice mix directly onto meat. Or, you can mix it with olive oil and lime juice. This makes a delicious marinade for your food!

Different Kinds of Baharat

Just like there are different kinds of pizza, there are different kinds of Baharat!

Seven Spices (Sabaa Baharat)

In a region called the Levant, people use a spice mix called sabaa baharat. This means "seven spices" in Arabic. It first came from Aleppo, a city in Syria. The exact recipe can be a little different from place to place. But usually, it includes these ground spices:

• 2 parts cinnamon
• 2 parts black pepper
• 2 parts cumin
• 2 parts cardamom
• 2 parts coriander
• 1 part nutmeg
• 1 part cloves

Other Regional Blends

• In Turkey, their Baharat often has a lot of mint in it.
• In Tunisia, Baharat is a simpler mix. It's usually dried rose buds and ground cinnamon. Sometimes, they add black pepper too.
• In Eastern Arabia, they might add loomi (which is dried black lime) and saffron. This is often for a special spice mix called kebsa, which is also a type of Baharat.

See also

In Spanish: Baharat para niños