Skip the expensive spice packets and create your own restaurant-quality Hello Fresh Shawarma Spice Blend right at home! This aromatic mixture combines seven simple pantry staples to deliver the same bold, Middle Eastern flavors you love from your favorite meal kit service-but at a fraction of the cost.
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This homemade version was inspired by my take on my other Hello Fresh spices, like this Tunisian Spice Blend and Tuscan Heat Spice.
Shawarma spice blend is a wonderful seasoning that can brighten up your weeknight dinners throughout the year!
Whether you're grilling juicy chicken in the summer or roasting hearty vegetables in the winter, this blend adds a comforting warmth and rich flavor to any dish.
I fell in love with shawarma spices during a hectic month when Hello Fresh deliveries became my go-to solution. I mean, between the Cantina Shrimp Fajitas with the Smoky Red Pepper Crema and homemade cheeseburgers with crispy fries coated in Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning, I knew I wanted to keep making more Hello Fresh-inspired recipes at home!
What is Shawarma?
Thanks to Hello Fresh's meal kit service, many people have discovered shawarma, a beloved spice mix from the Middle East.
Traditional shawarma comes from the Levant region, where meat is often cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
The beauty of shawarma is how you can use it in all different types of recipes. Its spice blend, often made with cumin, coriander, and paprika, can turn any protein-whether chicken, beef, or lamb-into something really delicious.
When paired with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and tasty sauces like tahini or garlic yogurt, it creates a meal that's both satisfying and comforting.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by creating your own blend at home instead of purchasing pricey pre-made packets.
- Perfectly Balanced: The perfect ratio of spices brings a warm, earthy, and aromatic flavor profile, all without too much heat.
- Incredibly Versatile: It goes wonderfully with chicken, lamb, beef, vegetables, and even roasted chickpeas.
- Always Fresh: Make small batches so you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful experience every time.
- Customizable Heat: Feel free to adjust the black pepper to match your family's preferred spice level.
Key ingredients
Creating the perfect shawarma spice blend really isn't that hard! Here are the star players:
Turmeric: This spice adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor and a beautiful yellow color that really makes shawarma look so appealing. Plus, it's full of anti-inflammatory benefits!
Cumin: Adding a bit of cumin brings an earthy, nutty flavor to the blend, which is essential for an authentic shawarma taste.
Allspice: Might sound like a blend of spices, but it's actually just one. It gives the Shwarma seasoning a rich, warm flavor that reminds you of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Heather's helpful hints
- Keep your blend in an airtight container, placed in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or spice cabinet. This way, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to six months!
- This seasoning is perfect for trying out some delicious recipes like Shawarma-Spiced Beef & Golden Raisin Pitas and the classic Chicken Shawarma Bowls.
How to Make Hello Fresh Shawarma Spice Blend
This couldn't be simpler-just measure, mix, and store! The entire process takes less than five minutes.
Step 1
Measure 2 teaspoons each of turmeric and cumin into a small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried coriander, garlic powder, and paprika. Finish with ½ teaspoon each of allspice and black pepper.
Step 2
Whisk all ingredients together. Label with the date and store in a dark pantry for up to six months.
Variations and substitutions
Love things spicy? Feel free to add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or bump up the black pepper to ¾ teaspoon for a kick. For a less spicy flavor, simply reduce the black pepper to ¼ teaspoon.
Want a smoky twist? Swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika to get a richer, more layered flavor that mimics traditional rotisserie cooking.
Make a bigger batch: This recipe yields about 3 tablespoons of spice blend, which is perfect for seasoning 2-3 pounds of chicken. If you find yourself using it often, double or triple the batch-just keep in mind, smaller batches stay fresher and tastier longer.
Missing dried coriander? Ground fennel makes a wonderful substitute.
And if you don't have allspice, a mix of ground cinnamon and ground cloves works great.
How to Use Your Shawarma Spice Blend
This seasoning works great in multiple cooking methods.
For chicken shawarma, use about 2 tablespoons of spice blend per pound of meat. Mix it with olive oil and lemon juice to create a marinade, then let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
The blend is also delicious on roasted vegetables-toss cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of the spice mixture before roasting at 425°F until golden and tender.
Recipe
Hello Fresh Shawarma Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together until the spices are well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in a dark pantry for up to six months.
Notes and Tips
- Shelf life can be one year, but make sure you look at the expiration dates on your spices. You can easily double or triple this recipe. Store spices in a dry and cool location. Two tablespoons are equivalent to 1 packet of seasoning.
- This season can be used in the following Hello Fresh Recipes: Chicken Shawarma Bowls, Chicken Shawarma Bowls, and Shawarma-Spiced Beef & Golden Raisin Pitas.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Definitely! This Hello Fresh shawarma recipe adaptation works wonderfully on lamb, beef, turkey, and even firm fish like salmon. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein-fish only needs 15-20 minutes, while tougher cuts of beef benefit from several hours.
Not quite! While shawarma spice and 7 spices both share ingredients like cumin and allspice, they're actually different blends.
Shawarma spice usually has warm flavors such as cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric, which give it a rich, distinctive taste perfect for Middle Eastern grilling. Meanwhile, 7 spice is a versatile Lebanese mix that's used in many dishes, from stews to rice pilafs. Both are delicious in their own ways, just used differently.
Steve says
Ohh, I've been looking for a legit recipe for this mix—thanks so much Heather!
Heather says
I'm so glad that it worked out for you. It's 100% tried and tested!