Turkish Spice

By ZestyHut. Posted on September 20, 2024

Turkey is famous all over the world for its delicious cooking traditions, and the Turkish spice at the base of the bold, and complex taste. Spices form a crucial part of Turkish cuisine with their use ranging from meats, vegetables, grains, and many other foods. Ranging from kebabs to Turkish delight, spices like cumin, sumac, and pul biber are essential to the authenticity of Turkish dishes, giving warmth, depth, and complexity to any meal. Here you will find out the top and the must-have Turkish spices, their uses, and how they will add the most delightful notes to your dishes.

What Are The Top Spices From Turkey To Buy?

Turkey is home to a wide variety of spices that are prized for their quality and flavor and their suitability to make an exquisite Turkish blend. When purchasing Turkish spices, it’s important to seek out high-quality, fresh products that will provide the best flavor. Here are some of the top Turkish spices you should consider buying:

• Pul Biber: This is one of the most essential spices in Turkish spice blends, and it’s available in varying levels of heat. Whether you prefer mild or hot, Turkish pul biber is always rich in flavor, making it perfect for any dish that requires a bit of spice. Look for deep red, slightly oily flakes for the best quality.
• Sumac: Turkish sumac should be dark red and finely ground. Its sour taste makes it a versatile ingredient for salads, grilled meats, and dressings.
• Turkish Oregano (Kekik): Turkish oregano has a robust, earthy flavor making it a staple Turkish spice, that is often used in meat marinades and sauces. It’s stronger and more aromatic than its Mediterranean counterparts.
• Cumin: Turkish cumin is prized for its deep, nutty flavor, and buying high-quality, fresh cumin seeds or ground cumin is key to replicating authentic Turkish spice blend flavors. It can be bought as whole seeds or ground, depending on your preference.
• Nigella Seeds:  These small black seeds are not only flavorful but also known for their health benefits. Used in traditional Turkish breads and pastries, nigella seeds are an essential pantry item for home cooks interested in baking.
• Dried Mint:  Turkish dried mint retains its bright, refreshing flavor even after drying. This is an essential herb in Turkish cooking, used in everything both savory and sweet dishes.
• Paprika:  When buying Turkish paprika, look for a deep red, finely ground powder that is fragrant and slightly sweet. Turkish paprika is ideal for Turkish blends for those who prefer a milder spice with a hint of smokiness.
• Saffron: Though not used as widely as in other Middle Eastern cuisines, Turkish saffron is a luxurious Turkish spice used in special rice dishes like pilafs.
• Fennel Seeds: Sweet and licorice-like, fennel seeds are often used in Turkish sweets, pastries, and even some savory dishes like fish.
• Fenugreek: This slightly bitter spice is used in various Turkish spice blends and pastes, such as the popular çemen paste, adding depth to the flavor of meats.
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  • Cinnamon: Turkish cinnamon is often used in both savory and sweet dishes. When buying Turkish cinnamon, look for tightly rolled, fragrant sticks or finely ground powder for the best quality.
• Bay Leaf (Defne Yaprağı): Turkish bay leaves are a staple in slow-cooked dishes like stews and braises. Their subtle, herbal flavor adds depth to meat, bean, and vegetable dishes.
•  Allspice (Yenibahar): This warm, aromatic spice is used in a variety of Turkish dishes, from meatballs to rice pilafs. Turkish allspice is known for its complex flavor, which combines notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Top 10 Must-Have Turkish Spices For Your Kitchen

Turkish spices hold a unique place in global cuisine due to their versatility, flavor, and aroma that elevate dishes to new heights. Here’s a list of the top ten Turkish spices that will transform your culinary experience.

• Pul Biber (Aleppo Pepper)

Pul Biber or Aleppo pepper is a prominent Turkish spice with moderately hot pepper and it is widely used in Turkish cooking. This vibrant, fruity spice comes in the form of coarsely ground flakes and has a mild heat with a subtle smoky flavor. The pepper flakes are coarsely ground and slightly oily, which allows them to blend well with various ingredients, and is used as a key component in marinating meat for kebabs, making pul biber a must-have for any Turkish-inspired kitchen.

• Cumin (Kimyon)

Cumin is a foundational Turkish spice and is essential for Turkish cuisine for its warm, earthy flavor and slightly bitter undertones, making it an indispensable ingredient in many Turkish dishes, from köfte (meatballs) to various types of kebabs. Cumin is typically used ground but can also be found as whole seeds, often toasted to release more flavor, depending on the recipe, and it pairs beautifully with other spices such as coriander and garlic. This versatile spice is often incorporated into spice blends or rubs, adding complexity to both meat and vegetable dishes. In Turkish cuisine, cumin is particularly prized for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of lamb and beef.

• Sumac (Sumağı)

Sumac is a signature spice in Turkish seasoning blends, offering a tangy, citrus-like flavor. In Turkish cooking, sumac is often used as a seasoning for salads, grilled meats, and rice dishes. Its tartness balances out rich flavors, making it a popular condiment for fatty meats such as lamb. 

• Mint (Nane)

Fresh or dried, mint is a prominent herb in Turkish cuisine, often found in salads, yogurt-based dishes, and teas. It adds a refreshing, cooling note to rich flavors.

• Oregano (Kekik) 

Turkish oregano or (kekik) is a stronger and more pungent variant of Mediterranean oregano. It’s frequently used in marinades for meats, especially lamb, and is an essential herb in Turkish spice mixes. Oregano adds a sharp, peppery taste that balances well with other spices like cumin and paprika. Its robust flavor is especially effective in grilled and roasted dishes, where it enhances the natural flavors of meats and vegetables.

• Cinnamon (Tarçın) 

In Turkish cuisine, cinnamon is used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding warmth and complexity to a variety of recipes. While it’s commonly associated with desserts such as baklava, cinnamon is also an essential Turkish spice used in savory dishes like rice pilafs and slow-cooked lamb stews. The subtle sweetness of cinnamon provides a perfect balance to the bold, earthy flavors of Turkish seasoning blends, creating a harmonious blend of spices.

• Paprika (Tatlı Biber)

Paprika, known as tatlı biber in Turkish, is another spice that plays a significant role in the Turkish spice mix. It comes in both sweet and hot varieties, but the sweet version is more commonly used. It is often used to add color and flavor to rice dishes, soups, and sauces. Paprika is also a key ingredient in many Turkish seasoning blends and is often sprinkled over dips like hummus or yogurt-based sauces.

• Nigella Seeds (Çörek Otu)

Nigella seeds, or çörek otu, are tiny black seeds with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor. In Turkey, these seeds are often sprinkled on breads, pastries, and savory pastries such as börek. Nigella seeds also appear in spice blends for meats and vegetables, adding a hint of bitterness that contrasts well with richer flavors. Nigella seeds are known for their health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties, making them a popular ingredient in traditional Turkish remedies as well as in cooking.

• Bay Leaf (Defne Yaprağı)

Bay leaves are commonly used in Turkish stews, soups, and braised dishes. Bay leaf’s slightly bitter, herbal flavor enhances the natural richness of slow-cooked meats and vegetables. In Turkey, bay leaves are often used in dishes like lamb stew or fish soup, where they provide a subtle layer of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Bay leaves are typically removed before serving, as their texture can be tough and fibrous.

• Allspice (Yenibahar) 

Allspice, known as yenibahar in Turkish, is a spice that combines the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one. Allspice is commonly used in Turkish dishes like dolma and kibbeh, where it adds warmth and depth. Allspice is particularly popular in the southeastern regions of Turkey, where it is often used to flavor meat dishes and rice. Its versatile flavor profile makes it an essential spice for anyone looking to recreate authentic Turkish flavors.

Popular Turkish Spices & Cuisine

Turkish spice blends are deeply intertwined with the country’s most iconic dishes. Here are a few examples of how Turkish spices bring Turkish cuisine to life:

• Kebabs

One of the most famous Turkish dishes, kebabs rely on Turkish spices like cumin, paprika, and pul biber to create a rich, smoky flavor that complements the grilled meats. The Turkish spice blend used in kebabs varies by region, but cumin and paprika are consistent components.

• Lahmacun 

Often referred to as “Turkish pizza,” this thin flatbread is topped with a spiced mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. Turkish spices such as sumac, paprika, cumin, and pul biber are used to season the meat, adding layers of flavor to the dish.

• Menemen

A traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and pul biber, menemen showcases the simplicity and effectiveness of Turkish spice blends.

• Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables)

Vine leaves or vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat are seasoned with Turkish spices like allspice, cinnamon, and mint, creating a fragrant and flavorful dish.

• Meze (Appetizers)

Turkish meze dishes often include dips like cacık (yogurt with cucumber and mint) and muhammara (spicy walnut and pepper dip), both seasoned with a variety of Turkish spices and herbs.

Read Also: Detailed Guide about Recipes Using Cajun Seasoning

Turkish Spice Recipe

To create an authentic Turkish spice blend at home, here’s a recipe that combines some of the key spices used in Turkish cooking:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 tbsp ground sumac
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp pul biber (or red pepper flakes)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients of Turkish spice blend together in a small bowl.
2. Store the Turkish blend in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
3. Use this blend in marinades, rubs, soups, or as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.

This Turkish seasoning blend offers a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthiness, typical of Turkish cuisine. It can be used in various dishes, from marinated meats to grilled vegetables.

Turkish Spice for Chicken

One of the best uses of Turkish spices is in chicken dishes. To make a traditional Turkish chicken dish, use a combination of cumin, paprika, sumac, and pul biber. This Turkish spice blend works together to create a deliciously spiced chicken that’s flavorful but not overpowering. You can marinate the chicken in yogurt combined with olive oil, lemon juice, and a mix of these spices before grilling or baking for a tender, juicy result.

Turkish Spices and Herbs

Turkish cuisine is known not only for its bold Turkish spice blends but also for the use of fresh and dried herbs. Mint, oregano, parsley, and dill are among the most commonly used herbs in Turkish dishes. They add fresh, fragrant notes that balance the intensity of spices like cumin and pul biber.

• Parsley: Parsley is a fresh herb that is used in salads, marinades, and as a garnish.
• Mint: Both fresh and dried mint are used in Turkish dishes to add a refreshing flavor.
• Oregano: Turkish oregano, or kekik, is more pungent than its Mediterranean counterpart and is often used in meat marinades and stews.
• Dill: Fresh dill is often used in rice dishes, salads, and yogurt-based sauces.

Together with spices like cumin, paprika, and sumac, these herbs form the backbone of Turkish flavor profiles.

Turkish Spice List

Here’s a comprehensive list of key Turkish spices you’ll often find in Turkish kitchens:

• Pul Biber (Aleppo pepper)
• Cumin (Kimyon)
• Sumac (Sumağı)
• Paprika (Tatlı Biber)
• Dried Mint (Nane)
• Oregano (Kekik)
• Cinnamon (Tarçın)
• Nigella Seeds (Çörek Otu)
• Allspice (Yenibahar)
• Bay Leaf (Defne Yaprağı)
• Fenugreek (Çemen Otu)
• Coriander (Kişniş)

These spices are integral to creating authentic Turkish spice blends and are used in a variety of dishes, from soups to grilled meats.

Turkish Spice Blend Substitute

If you don’t have Turkish spices on hand, there are several substitutes you can use to not stop making your Turkish spice blend:

• Pul Biber can be substituted with crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
• Sumac can be replaced with a squeeze of lemon or a mixture of lemon zest and black pepper for its tangy effect.
• Turkish oregano can be swapped with regular oregano, though it won’t have the same intensity.

Conclusion

Zestyhut Turkish spice blends are the secret of the pungent and aromatic flavors characteristic of Turkish cuisine. No matter how you are planning your meal, this simple salad or a complex stew, the Turkish spices added can make a difference. Often used spices include cumin, sumac, and pul biber, which give Turkish dishes an authentic taste that can be recreated at home. When you add these spices to your recipes, you will be able to savor the deep, delicious, and warm tastes that signify Turkish cuisine.

FAQs

1. What is the red Turkish spice?

The red Turkish spice is Pul Biber, also known as Aleppo pepper. It’s a mildly hot, fruity chili flake used in many Turkish dishes to add color and subtle heat.

2. What is allspice in Turkish?

Allspice is known as Yenibahar in Turkish. It’s often used in stuffing, meat dishes, and spice blends to impart a warm, aromatic flavor.

3. What is the best Turkish spice?

The best Turkish spice depends on the dish, but Cumin (Kimyon) and Pul Biber are among the most widely used and celebrated for their versatility in Turkish cuisine.

4. What are key Turkish ingredients?

Key Turkish ingredients include spices like Cumin, Sumac, Pul Biber, and paprika, along with staples like yogurt, lamb, olive oil, and rice.

5. Is sumac a Turkish spice?

Yes, Sumac is widely used in Turkish cuisine for its tangy, citrus-like flavor. It’s often sprinkled over grilled meats, salads, and rice dishes.

6. What is the purple spice in Turkish food?

The purple spice in Turkish food is Sumac, which adds a sour, lemony flavor to dishes.