Turkish Spice Blend

What is a Turkish Spice Blend? 

A Turkish spice blend is a mix of different spices that gives Turkish dishes their unique and delicious flavor.

Every home cook makes their own spice mix while cooking, so it’s a very personal thing. The amounts can vary from person to person.

Even we don't agree on the same mix! Yusuf loves adding more pul biber, while Zerrin prefers extra oregano. And Zerrin's mom? She’s all about the cumin. 

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance that suits your taste. It’s all about what you like best!

About The Ingredients

The blend we’re sharing today includes the most popular spices used in Turkish cuisine. It is simple, containing just a few Turkish spices. 

Besides salt and black pepper, we have the following:

• Cumin (Kimyon): It's a staple in Turkish cooking and gives dishes a deep, rich taste. If you don't have cumin, you can use ground coriander as a substitute.
• Sweet Paprika (Tatlı Toz Biber): It is made from dried peppers and brings a sweet, mild flavor with a vibrant red color. It's different from the spicy pul biber, adding more color than heat. You can substitute smoked paprika if you want a smoky flavor.
• Pul Biber: It is the Turkish name for red pepper flakes, also known as Aleppo pepper, which specifically originates from Aleppo. Pul biber adds a nice heat and fruity flavor to dishes. Its texture is finer and slightly oily, different from regular red pepper flakes or crushed chili, which are dry and brittle. You can still use red pepper flakes as a substitute if you can't find pul biber.
• Oregano/Thyme (Kekik): Both oregano and thyme are known as "kekik" in Turkish and are used interchangeably in Turkish dishes. They add a robust and slightly bitter flavor that balances well with the other spices. You can use whichever you have or prefer more. They are commonly used in chicken and meat dishes. If you don't have Turkish oregano, regular oregano or thyme works fine. 

How to Make Turkish Seasoning Blend

Making your own Turkish spice mix, aka Ottoman spice mix, is super easy! Here’s a simple way to get started:

First, gather all your spices: cumin, paprika, pul biber (or red pepper flakes), dried oregano or thyme, black pepper, and salt.

Then, use a small whisk (or a fork) to thoroughly mix them together until they are evenly distributed. Once blended, your own Turkish seasoning is ready to use!

Storage

Just like all homemade spice blends, store it in an airtight container or a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

It can be kept for up to a year. Remember to label the container with the name and date, so you know how fresh it is.

Customize Your Blend

This is our way of making a Turkish spice blend, using the most popular spices that can be used in almost any savory Turkish recipe. However, you can customize the blend by adding a few more spices to suit your taste.

Here are some options: 

• Sumac: Often used in salads, sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor. It's not commonly used in meat or chicken dishes in Turkish cuisine, but if you like its taste, feel free to add it to your mix.
• Mint: Mostly preferred in salads or soups, mint adds a fresh, herbaceous note. It's not used in all dishes, but if you want a more herbal taste, you can include it in your blend.
• Coriander: While not as common in Turkey as the other spices, coriander can be added to bring more depth and flavor to the mix.
• Cinnamon: Commonly used in desserts, cinnamon is also occasionally added to savory dishes in small amounts. If you enjoy its warm, sweet flavor, you can experiment with adding it to your blend.
• Allspice: This spice is often used in specific dishes like iç pilav and dolma. If you like its unique flavor, you can add it to your mix.

Usage

You can use this Turkish seasoning in almost any savory dish. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating your blend into various recipes: 

Meat Dishes

Turkish spice blend is not only perfect for grilling steak or Turkish kebabs but also great for marinating and seasoning various meats. The spices will infuse the meat with rich flavors, making your dishes with beef, lamb, chicken, and even fish or shrimp irresistible. 

Some of our recipes you can use this blend in are:

• Turkish Chicken Kebabs
• Turkish Chicken Breasts
• Turkish Chicken Salad
• Sac Kavurma (Shepherd's Sautéed Meat)
• Turkish Lamb Stew
• Baked Whole Sea Bass

Vegetable Dishes

Sprinkle the spice blend in vegetable dishes. It works wonderfully with potatoes, zucchini, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplants. Here are some dishes that you can use it: 

• Roasted Potato Salad
• Zucchini Stew
• Kapuska (Cabbage Stew)
• Turkish Cauliflower in Oven
• Karniyarik

Soups

Add a teaspoon or two of your spice blend to soups for an instant flavor boost. It pairs well with:

• Turkish Lentil Soup
• Ezogelin Soup
• Sehriye Corbasi (Orzo Soup)

Sauces and Dips

Stir the spice blend into your favorite tomato sauce for pasta to add a rich, Turkish flavor. You can also mix it into a savory breakfast dip called acuka for an extra kick. 

Additionally, try sprinkling a generous amount of the spice mix over a small bowl of olive oil to create the quickest and tastiest dip for your bread.

Experiment and Enjoy

Feel free to get creative and experiment with your Turkish spice blend in different recipes.

Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, add it to rice or bulgur pilav, or use it as a seasoning for popcorn or roasted chickpeas. 

The possibilities are endless, and each dish will benefit from the unique, rich flavors of Turkish spices.

Tip: This blend already contains salt, so if you plan to use it in any of the recipes above, leave out the salt (or any other spices) that the recipe calls for. Alternatively, you can prepare the blend without salt and add the salt separately when making each recipe.

Where to Buy Turkish Spices

You might not find this Turkish spice mix as a pre-made product, but you can easily find the individual spices to create your own blend. Middle Eastern grocery stores are a great place to start, as they often carry a wide selection of Turkish spices.

Amazon is another convenient option, where you can find high-quality Turkish spices from well-known brands. Some of the most famous Turkish spice brands include Arifoğlu, Bağdat, and Bodrum.

If you happen to visit Istanbul one day, be sure to visit the famous Spice Bazaar, also known as Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Çarşısı). There, you can buy all the Turkish spices you need and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic marketplace. 

More Seasoning Recipes

• Dry Rub for Chicken
• Pickling Spice Mix

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