Cumin shawarma spice mix smoked paprika salt
If you’ve ever craved the bold, smoky, and slightly earthy flavors of Middle Eastern street food, this Cumin Shawarma Spice Mix is your new kitchen essential. Built around the warmth of cumin and the depth of smoked paprika, this mix adds instant shawarma-style flavor to meats, vegetables, or even roasted chickpeas.
The best part? You can make it in just minutes using pantry spices — no complicated ingredients required.
Why You’ll Love This Mix
- Simple: Just a few spices, big flavor.
- Versatile: Works for chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or roasted veggies.
- Budget-friendly: Cheaper than store-bought blends, and no additives.
- Customizable: Adjust heat, sweetness, or smokiness to your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for that golden shawarma color)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (a little warmth + depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili powder for heat
Instructions
- Mix: Combine all spices in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Use: Sprinkle over meat or veggies before cooking. For the most authentic flavor, combine with olive oil and lemon juice to make a marinade.
How to Use This Shawarma Mix
- Chicken Shawarma: Toss 2 pounds of chicken thighs with 3 tablespoons of the spice mix, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and juice of 1 lemon. Marinate, then grill or roast.
- Beef or Lamb: Rub spice mix on steak, kebabs, or ground lamb for burgers.
- Veggie Shawarma: Sprinkle over cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms before roasting.
- Chickpea Bowls: Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and spice mix, roast at 400°F until crispy.
Tips for Success
- Toast spices: For deeper flavor, lightly toast cumin and coriander before grinding.
- Balance flavors: Add more cinnamon for warmth, more cayenne for heat, or extra paprika for smokiness.
- Double the batch: Keep a big jar ready — you’ll use it on everything.
Why This Recipe Works
By centering the blend on cumin (earthy, nutty) and smoked paprika (deep, smoky-sweet), you get the backbone of shawarma flavor. Coriander and turmeric round it out, while a touch of cinnamon adds complexity. Salt ties everything together, making this an easy, go-to seasoning that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
✨ Bold, smoky, and perfectly spiced — this Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix will bring Middle Eastern flavor to your kitchen in just minutes.
