7 spices blend powder

I discovered this spice mix while studying in Beirut, Lebanon, where I lived above a coffee and spice roaster. I woke up to smells and morning sunlight streaming in through the window blinds, filling my room with their wafting presence.

In Syria, it is a perfumer – an a’atar – who mixes the 7 spices into a powered blend according to that a’atar’s personal recipe. I like to use 7 spices blend in rice pilafs or dishes that use minced beef. You can make my version of the 7 spices blend by combining: 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper, ¼ tablespoon of ground cloves, ½ tablespoon of ground coriander seed, ½ tablespoon of ground nutmeg, ½ tablespoon of ground cardamom and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. If you like, you could also add ½ tablespoon of ground ginger.