Middle Eastern "old spice" seasoning blend???

[Anonymous]

We ate at a restaurant on vacation where the kebobs were quite good. I asked what spices were used, because I had never tasted such a unique blend at any other middle eastern or mediterranean restaurant. I could tell there was tumeric and I identified a few more, but there were flavors I had never tasted before too. The waitress said the blend is called "old spice." Is anyone familiar with how to make this blend, where to buy it or even just what spices are used? I can find Zaatar blends, etc, but no "old spice."

[Anonymous]

Are you sure she didn't say all spice?

[Anonymous]

They put bad aftershave in it

[Anonymous]

I also think she said all spice, there is no such thing 'old spice'

[Anonymous]

She spoke English perfectly and I even spelled out "old" to make sure she said Old spice. I have used allspice before, though not in savory dishes. Hmmm. Maybe?

[Anonymous]

She probably meant "seven spice." They sell it at the Gourmet Basket (Lebanese) in McLean. You can ask the ladies there too - they should know.

And definitely buy some spinach pies when you go!

[Anonymous]

My middle east cook book, by a Palestinian, has the following for kebab:

Allspice
Cardamom
Cinnamon

And the regulars (garlic, lemon juice, etc.)

She gives a couple other spice combos:

Kuwaiti: coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cloves

Yemeni: caraway, saffron, cardamom, tumeric

Saudi: coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, lime

Just listing them in case any seem familiar.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all. 22:30..I bet all the spices in this dish are presented in your various combos. I just have to figure out for myself how to combine because there is no way it was just all spice. I know tumeric was there. I love cardamon, but didn't detect it. Maybe cloves were there.

[Anonymous]

Do you know her ethnicity? I wonder if they were Afghan or Pakistani kebabs? Afghan is my favorite ((don't tell my Egyptian husband).

[Anonymous]

I think Lebanese, but have eaten at many lebanese restaurants and didn't have meat seasoned like that. The restaurant was simply labelled Middle Eastern.

22:41 that's cute. I won't tell . I LOVE Afghan food too! There are some great Afghan restaurants in this area too. I have never had Egyptian or Pakistani. Have had lots of Indian food and some Indian kebobs too.

[Anonymous]

Not sure what you're referring to but you could try asking at one of the Persian food stores in the area for Kabob seasoning (I think the brand they usually carry is Sadaaf).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My middle east cook book, by a Palestinian, has the following for kebab:

Allspice
Cardamom
Cinnamon

And the regulars (garlic, lemon juice, etc.)

She gives a couple other spice combos:

Kuwaiti: coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cloves

Yemeni: caraway, saffron, cardamom, tumeric

Saudi: coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, lime

Just listing them in case any seem familiar.

Is this a family book? Or a for sale book- and what's the name?
Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She probably meant "seven spice." They sell it at the Gourmet Basket (Lebanese) in McLean. You can ask the ladies there too - they should know.

And definitely buy some spinach pies when you go!

I think you mean..buy their meat pies, but I am biased and have never had their spinach pies.

[Anonymous]

Book: The Arab Table

http://www.amazon.com/Arab-Table-Recipes-Culinary-Traditions/dp/0060586141

[Anonymous]

Mas-el-harout? This is Moroccan and we always use it on kebabs. Everyone seems to have their own version but I think Bon Appetit, Food&Wine or Gourmet mag before it folded had some domestic suppliers listed who sell online.