Falafel Spice Mix

A four-spice falafel blend of coriander, cumin, black pepper and paprika. It is the smell of a falafel stand: toasted cumin and coriander over a warm paprika base, with black pepper providing the only real heat.

Coriander brings bright citrus notes, cumin adds depth and earthiness, a touch of black pepper introduces gentle warmth, and paprika rounds it out with subtle smokiness and colour. Between them they make the classic flavour of Middle Eastern street food.

How to use it

Work it into a soaked chickpea mixture for falafel at around two tablespoons per 500g of chickpeas, or use it to season lentil soups, roasted vegetables and hummus. Technique tip: use dried chickpeas soaked overnight rather than tinned, and add the spice to the raw mix before grinding rather than after, so it distributes evenly through a paste that will not take much stirring once it is formed.

The shaker jar

The jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.

Details

Also known as

Falafel Seasoning, Middle Eastern Spice Blend, Arabic Spice Mix, بهارات فلافل