Mediterranean spices mix is one of those little kitchen secrets that instantly makes food taste like it came from a cozy seaside cafรฉ. Warm cumin, oregano, a hint of cinnamonโฆ it's earthy, savory, and just slightly sweet in the best way.
I started making my own instead of buying store blends because I wanted more control over the flavor and less salt. Now I use it on roasted vegetables, lentils, chicken, and even stirred into olive oil for dipping bread. It also pairs beautifully with my Mediterranean Lentil Soup and works surprisingly well in grain bowls or sprinkled over hummus.
Why Make Your Own Mediterranean Spice Mix?
- You control the salt level
- No fillers or preservatives
- Fresher flavor
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to customize
And honestlyโฆ it takes 5 minutes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Dried chives: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the blend.
Ground cumin:Earthy and slightly nutty. This gives the mix depth.
Ground coriander: Light citrus notes that brighten everything up.
Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb. Bold and slightly peppery.
Cinnamon: Just a small amount. This is what makes the blend warm and unique.
Sea salt: Balances everything. You can reduce or omit if you prefer.
See the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Instructions for the Mediterranean Spices Mix
Step 1: Combine
Add all the spices to a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix
Stir until evenly blended. Make sure there are no clumps.
That's it. You're done.
Transfer to a small airtight jar and label it with the date.
What Does Mediterranean Spice Mix Taste Like?
It's savory, earthy, slightly herbal, and gently warm from the cinnamon. Not spicy. Not overpowering. It has a balanced, comforting flavor that works on vegetables, legumes, meat, and seafood.
If Greek seasoning is bright and lemony, this blend leans warmer and deeper.
How to Use Mediterranean Spice Mix
This is where most posts stop short. Here are real ways to use it:
- Toss with olive oil and coat zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers before roasting
- Add to lentil or chickpea soups
- Mix into ground turkey or beef for Mediterranean-style meatballs
- Sprinkle over salmon before baking
- Stir into Greek yogurt with lemon juice for a quick dip
- Add to pearl couscous salads like my Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
You can even mix it into olive oil for bread dipping or use it as a dry rub for chicken.
Variations
Want to customize it? Try adding:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- Mustard seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
You can also add dried thyme for a more herb-forward blend.
Infused Mediterranean Olive Oil
To make infused oil:
Combine 2 cups extra virgin olive oil with ยผ cup of the spice mix, a strip of lemon peel, and 1 bay leaf in a glass jar.
Seal and let sit in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. Shake every few days.
Strain before using. Perfect for marinades, roasted vegetables, or drizzling over grilled fish.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Best flavor within 3 months.
If your spices were older to begin with, the blend will lose strength faster. Fresh spices make a huge difference.
FAQ's
Do I need to grind whole spices?
No. This recipe uses ground spices. If you prefer to toast and grind whole cumin or coriander seeds, you can for deeper flavor.
Should I toast the spices first?
You don't have to. Toasting whole spices can enhance flavor, but for everyday cooking, mixing them as-is works perfectly.
Is this the same as Greek seasoning?
Not exactly. Greek seasoning often includes garlic, marjoram, and sometimes lemon peel. This blend is warmer and slightly more earthy.
Pairing
This spice mix can be added to these recipes:
Mediterranean Spice Mix
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight spice jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried fine chives
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For stronger flavor, use freshly opened spices.
- Adjust salt to taste or omit if using as a rub.
- Add garlic powder for a more savory blend.
- Double the recipe and store in a larger jar if you use it often.
Leave a Reply