Moroccan · Marinades & Rubs
Moroccan Seven Spice Blend (Sebaa Bharat)
A Fassi pantry essential, this seven-spice blend — sebaa bharat — combines ginger, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg and paprika in careful proportion, a simpler everyday cousin to the more elaborate ras el hanout used across the city's kitchens.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Serves
- 10
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
Method
- 1
Combine
Measure all seven spices into a bowl.
- 2
Mix thoroughly
Whisk or stir until completely blended and even in colour, with no streaks of any single spice.
- 3
Store
Transfer to an airtight jar and keep away from light and heat.
Chef's tips
- Whisk the ground spices together thoroughly rather than just stirring, so every batch tastes consistent.
- Use fresh, good-quality ground spices for the best result — this blend depends entirely on the quality of its components.
- Make it in small batches every couple of months for the most vibrant flavour.
Frequently asked questions
What is sebaa bharat used for?
As a versatile everyday seasoning for tagines, soups, roasted vegetables and grilled meats — a simpler alternative to ras el hanout for cooks who want a dependable house blend.
Why seven spices specifically?
The number seven carries traditional significance in Moroccan cuisine, echoed in dishes like couscous with seven vegetables, and many household spice blends are built around it.