Sometimes, all it takes to transform a simple meal is a good spice blend. Not something complicated or fiery (though there’s a place for that too), but a mix that quietly lifts a dish and gives it a whole new personality.
One of the most versatile kitchen blends is a Turkish-style spice mix made from paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic, and salt. Simple, balanced, and mild rather than spicy, it’s perfect for everyday cooking—sprinkled over scrambled eggs, avocado on toast, or zucchini fritters to add warmth and depth without overpowering.
Baharat, which literally means ‘spices’ in Arabic, is a fragrant Middle Eastern blend with a warm, earthy, slightly smoky profile, typically made from black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and paprika.
For those who enjoy more heat, Berbere, an Ethiopian blend rich in chilli and aromatic spices, is bold and warming, ideal for hearty meals.
North African flavours also feature strongly, particularly Ras el Hanout, which often includes spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, nigella seeds and dried rose petals. Not every blend contains all of these, but traditionally it can include anywhere from 10 to 20 spices, with each merchant creating their own signature version. The result is a deeply fragrant blend ideal for stews, tagines, roasted vegetables and slow-cooked meats.
Chermoula, traditionally used with fish in Moroccan cooking, is surprisingly good on roast vegetables. Toss pumpkin with olive oil and chermoula before roasting for an earthy, gently spiced dish. Za’atar, a Middle Eastern classic, is traditionally baked on flatbread with olive oil and is just as good sprinkled over eggs, dips or fresh avocado.
Alongside their spice blends, Spice Palace also offers a range of handmade vegan dips, made without preservatives or artificial nasties.
Find Spice Palace every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 8am to 11am, and every Friday at Mullumbimby Farmers Market from 7am to 11am.
