Herbs and Spices
Lebanese 7-Spices
Equal proportions of: Allspice, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg, and Coriander.
- Find on: Amazon | Mama’s Store
Mistika – Arabic Gum
Aka Mastic, “Arabic Gum”, is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). It’s used to make the “Lebanese Nights” sweet.
- Find on: Amazon
Dried Mint
Simple and lovely, made by drying and crushing spearmint leaves. Used in salads, eggs, yoghurt, Labneh and other dishes.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Sumac Spice
Tangy spice used in Fattoush salad, pies, and can be used with meats and barbqs. Can be easily found in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Zaatar – Thyme Mix
A dried herb mix made from Wild Thyme, Sumac, Cumin, Coriander, Sesame Seeds and other spices. Used as paste or as seasoning.
- Check recipe to prepare it at home.
Essences and Syrups
Orange Blossom Water
Aka Mazaher, made by distilling orange tree flowers. Used in Lebanese and Arabic sweets like Baklava. Found in Middle-Eastern stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Pomegranate Molasses
Tangy molasses made from Pomegranate. Used in salads and in meat pies. Can be found at local Middle Eastern grocery stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Rose Water
Aka Mawared, made by distilling specific types of roses. Used in Lebanese and Arabic sweets. Found at Middle Eastern stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Sauces and Pastes
Garlic Paste
Made with garlic, lemon juice, salt and oil. Used with Chicken Shawarma and BBQs. Found at select Lebanese grocery stores.
- Use recipe to prepare from scratch.
Labneh Dip
A delicious dip made by simply draining whey from plain yoghurt. Used as snack. Found in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
- Refreshing Labneh with Herbs recipe
Tahini Paste
A paste made from Sesame Seeds, used as sauce with Falafel, Beef Shawarma etc…Found at Middle Eastern and mainstream stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Common Grains
Burghul – Cracked Wheat
Aka Bulgur. Comes as number 1 (fine) or number 2 (coarse). Used in Tabbouleh and Kibbeh. Found at Middle Eastern stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Chickpeas, Dried
Aka Hummus or Garbanzo Beans. Commonly used in Lebanese cuisine. Found in Middle Eastern and mainstream supermarkets.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Fava Beans
Used in making Falafel, and stewed into “Fool” a famous Egyptian dish. Look for it in “Arab” owned Middle Eastern Grocery stores.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
Fasolia Beans
A red beans variety (haricot) used in stews (fasolia) and which can be found in Middle Eastern and mainstream supermarkets.
- Find on Amazon | Mama’s Store
