Jul 12, 2011

Bzar (Emirati Spice Mix)

This garam masala—like spice is a common Emirati flavoring: It's often blended with clarified butter or simply sprinkled into soups, stews, and other dishes. This recipe first appeared in our August/September issue along with Anissa Helou's story Breaking the Fast

MAKES ABOUT 1 1/4 CUPS

INGREDIENTES

1/4 cup black peppercorns

1/4 cup cumin seeds

1/4 cup coriander seeds

1 tbsp. cloves

1 tbsp. green cardamom pods

3 dried chiles de árbol, stemmed

2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

1 whole nutmeg, broken into pieces

1 1/2 tbsp. ground ginger

1 tbsp. ground turmeric

INSTRUCTIONS

Working with one spice at a time, grind peppercorns, cumin, coriander, cloves, cardamom, chiles, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spice grinder until finely ground; transfer to a bowl and stir in ginger and turmeric. Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 year.