How to Make Your Spice Mixes

Iranian cuisine is known for its bold, fragrant, and aromatic flavors, many of which come from expertly blended spices. Making your spice blends at home using Iranian ingredients allows you to bring the rich, complex flavors of Persian cooking into your kitchen. From classic Persian Advieh to unique herbal tea blends, these spice mixes are versatile and can be used in everything from stews and rice dishes to marinades and desserts.

Here are some traditional and inspired DIY spice blends using authentic Iranian ingredients, along with tips on how to use them.

1. Advieh (Persian Spice Mix)

Advieh is one of the most popular Persian spice blends, used to flavor rice dishes, stews, and soups. The combination of spices varies slightly depending on the region or family recipe, but it generally includes warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and dried rose petals.

Ingredients for Basic Advieh:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground-dried rose petals (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Store the spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
3. Use Advieh to flavor Persian rice dishes like Sabzi Polo (herbed rice) or Baghali Polo (fava bean rice), as well as stews like Khoresh.

How to Use:

• Rice: Add a teaspoon of Advieh to your rice before steaming or sprinkle it over your rice once cooked for added flavor.
• Stews: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Advieh to Persian stews like Khoresh Gheimeh or Khoresh Fesenjan for a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.

2. Ghormeh Sabzi Spice Blend

Ghormeh Sabzi is one of Iran’s most beloved stews, known for its vibrant green color and rich flavor. This dish traditionally uses a blend of fresh herbs, but the dried herb and spice version can be equally flavorful and convenient. You can make your own Ghormeh Sabzi spice blend to simplify the process of preparing this hearty stew.

Ingredients for Ghormeh Sabzi Blend:

• 2 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves (Shanbalileh)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
• 1 tablespoon dried chives (or leek)
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black lime (limoo amani)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dried herbs and spices in a bowl.
2. Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
3. Use this blend when preparing Ghormeh Sabzi by adding it to the stew along with fresh herbs for an enhanced, earthy flavor.

How to Use:

• Ghormeh Sabzi: Use 2-3 tablespoons of the spice blend in combination with fresh or frozen herbs to make the perfect Ghormeh Sabzi stew.
• Other stews: You can also use this spice mix to enhance other Persian-style stews and soups.

3. Persian Saffron and Rose Spice Blend

Saffron and rose petals are iconic ingredients in Persian cuisine, often used to add color and fragrance to sweet and savory dishes. This unique spice blend combines saffron with dried rose petals for an aromatic and floral addition to your cooking.

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon ground saffron
• 1 tablespoon ground dried rose petals
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grind the saffron threads with a mortar and pestle until you get a fine powder.
2. Mix the ground saffron with the remaining ingredients.
3. Store the blend in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark place.

How to Use:

• Rice and desserts: Sprinkle this blend over Persian saffron rice (Chelo), or use it to flavor desserts like Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding) or Persian Love Cake.
• Tea: Add a pinch of the blend to your herbal tea for a fragrant, floral twist.

4. Doogh Seasoning Blend

Doogh is a refreshing Persian yogurt drink, often flavored with dried herbs and spices. Making your own Doogh seasoning blend can add an extra layer of flavor to this classic drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all the herbs and spices in a small bowl.
2. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight jar.
3. When preparing Doogh, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend to the drink and stir well.

How to Use:

• Doogh: Use this blend to season your homemade Doogh by mixing it into yogurt and water with a touch of salt.
• Yogurt dips: You can also mix this blend into plain yogurt to make a quick herb dip for breads and vegetables.

5. Sumac and Za’atar Spice Blend

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice that is commonly used in Persian cuisine, while Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that pairs well with bread, salads, and grilled meats. Combining sumac with za’atar and other spices creates a versatile blend that can be used for a variety of dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ground sumac
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Store the spice blend in a jar with a tight lid to preserve its freshness.

How to Use:

• Bread dipping: Mix the spice blend with olive oil and serve it as a dip for warm flatbreads or pita.
• Salad topping: Sprinkle the spice blend over salads, particularly fattoush or simple green salads, for added zest.
• Meat rub: Rub this blend on chicken, lamb, or beef before grilling or roasting for a flavorful crust.

6. Herbal Tea Spice Blend (Chai)

Iranian herbal teas often include a mixture of warming spices that promote relaxation and digestion. This DIY herbal chai blend can be used to make aromatic tea with flavors that soothe the mind and body.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried rose petals
• 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
2. Store the blend in an airtight container.
3. To brew tea, steep 1 teaspoon of the blend in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

How to Use:

• Herbal tea: Brew this blend as a calming herbal tea after meals or before bed to aid digestion and relaxation.
• Tea base: Add this blend to black tea to create a spiced Persian chai for a fragrant, flavorful cup.

7. Fesenjan Spice Blend

Fesenjan is a traditional Persian stew made with pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts. It has a sweet and sour flavor that is enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. You can create a Fesenjan spice blend to have on hand for when you’re ready to make this beloved dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions:

1. Mix all the spices in a bowl.
2. Store in an airtight jar or container.
3. When making Fesenjan, add 1-2 teaspoons of the spice blend to enhance the flavor of the stew.

How to Use:

• Fesenjan stew: Add this blend to the simmering sauce of Fesenjan to deepen the flavor and create a more aromatic dish.
• Roast meats: Rub the spice mix on chicken or duck before roasting for a Persian-inspired flavor profile.

Conclusion

Creating your spice blends with Iranian ingredients allows you to bring the rich, aromatic flavors of Persian cooking into your kitchen. Whether it’s the warm spices of Advieh, the floral notes of saffron and rose, or the refreshing herbs in Doogh seasoning, these spice blends add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. Experiment with these recipes and use them in Persian stews, rice dishes, teas, and more for an authentic taste of Iranian cuisine.