Shish Taouk Spice

Shish Taouk Spice is the Middle Eastern mix used for chicken skewers and other grilled dishes. Sumac gives it a tangy, lemony edge, paprika the warmth and red colour, cumin an earthy base and garlic a savoury backbone, so it smells sharp and savoury rather than sweet.

Coriander adds a light citrus note, while nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon bring gentle warmth and depth. Oregano contributes a herbal touch and white pepper a mild heat.

How to use it

It is made for marinating chicken with yoghurt and lemon, and it works just as well with beef, lamb and roasted vegetables, whether grilling, baking or cooking on the stovetop. Use two tablespoons per kilo of chicken. The technique tip: cut the chicken into even 3cm cubes and marinate for four to six hours, no longer, because the lemon starts to firm the surface after that. Thread the pieces loosely on the skewer with a small gap between each so the heat reaches all sides and the sumac tang survives the fire.

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

شيش طاووق, جوجه کباب, skewer spice, tavuk şiş, red shish taouk