The 7 Main Egyptian Spices
Every country has its own cuisine and tastes and Egypt is no different. Here are 7 main Egyptian Spices you will find in nearly every kitchen.
Baharat (Spices)
Cumin, a dried spice found within a fruit from the Apiaceae tree is one of the most essential spices found in the Egyptian kitchen. It is usually used for fish, salads, and foul Medames, also known as flava beans. Coriander also belongs to the Apiaceae tree. Both fresh green peppers and coriander seeds are used in cooking in Egypt. Dried coriander is the main ingredient used in molokhia. This is an Egyptian dish that is a must-try. Bay leaf is one of the spices used when preparing soup along with habahan. Cardamon is also added to coffee.
Tumeric
Tumeric is a bright yellow spice with a bit of a kick to it. It has a slightly bitter taste to it. Tumeric is often used to season poultry dishes such as chicken. It can also be used in soups and with beans and lentils.
Saffron
Saffron is most commonly used in rice dishes, sauces, soups, and cake.
Sesame
Sesame is a valuable oil plant. It has high nutritional value as well. It adds a nutty flavor to dishes It also contains fiber, protein, and vitamins. Sesame oil can also improve blood flow in the body
Coriander
Americans know coriander as cilantro, Egyptians use it in salads for its citrus flavor. It is also ideal with meat and for sauces and marinades
Cumin
Cumin is well known in Arabic culture. It is most commonly ground into a powder and added to meat and vegetables. Also, It can be added to cinnamon and saffron to be added to stews. It is a common ingredient in Indian curry dishes. It can also be used in Mexican food.
Ginger
Ginger has a spicy taste and warm flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used with fruit, liqueurs, wine, beer, gingerbread, pumpkin pie, pickles, and more. It has also been known to help relieve nausea.
Cardamon
Cardamon is a very expensive spice. It has also been used in medicine. It is also considered an aphrodisiac. Cardamon can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is added to meat, fish, and poultry dishes and complements coffee, tea, and chocolate. Arabs chew on cardamon seeds to freshen their breath.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is added to teas and can be consumed hot or cold. Also, Hibiscus has many health benefits such as fighting off infections. It has also been known to lower blood pressure. It contains vitamin C and mineral salts as well.
Mint
Mint is used in famous Bedouin tea and served to tourists in Egypt. The mint retains its cooling aroma ad properties. It is good for digestion which really good for the stomach. On the other hand, it has other medicinal properties. It is highly recommended to try it during your stay in Egypt.
Black Cumin
There are health properties of black cumin. it is also known as nigella seeds. It was very much appreciated by ancient Egyptians and was even found in king tut’s tomb. It has been called the gold of pharaohs. They thought it could cure everything but death. Black cumin adds a warm and spicy flavor to many Egyptian dishes.
Take a trip to Egypt and indulge in all the aromas of spices and taste the flavorful cuisine. Take in all the beauty this country has to offer.
