Mix up a batch of homemade Moroccan-inspired spice blend to add a burst of unique flavor and spice to meat, veggies, chicken, or grains. This versatile spice blend is a home cooks answer to richly flavorful dishes that are restaurant-worthy.

close up shot of a Moroccan spice blend on a spoon

This Moroccan-inspired spice blend is so good it landed me jobs. True story.

A blend of warming spices that literally makes everything taste better.

If you are new here, I was a personal chef for many years and once in a while I will open my personal chef archives and share a tried and true recipe from those cheffing days, a recipe that has been tested and loved over and over and over again.

This is one of those recipes.

This Moroccan spice blend was part of an “audition/interview” for a big chef job that I really wanted. I brought my Moroccan spiced lamb kebabs, lovingly coated in this spice blend to the interview and landed the gig!

Now, (a decade later) it’s time to share the love with you!

Let’s Get Cooking!

list of all spices needed to make a homemade moroccan inspired spice blend

INGREDIENTS for Moroccan Inspired Spice Blend

This spice blend is simply a combination of savory warming spices. I recommend following the recipe exactly as written, but you can adjust the heat (cayenne pepper) to your liking. It may feel tempting to leave out a spice or two or add something different, and you are welcome to do so, but this specific combination is MAGIC!

Cumin
Cardamom
Black Pepper
Ginger
Cayenne Pepper
Cinnamon

Find the printable recipe with detailed measurements below

TOOLS YOU WILL USE

Measuring Spoons
Small Bowl
Spoon

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE MOROCCAN INSPIRED SPICE BLEND

Truly, couldn’t be easier. Add all the spices together in a small bowl, and store in an airtight container for 6 months – 1 year. That is it! Once you start making your own spice blends you will become a spice blending alchemist, trust me.

WAYS TO USE MOROCCAN-INSPIRED SPICE BLEND

Use as a dry rub on lamb, beef, or chicken
Add to ground beef for an amazing burger or meatballs
Sprinkle some on top of greek yogurt for a delicious Moroccan-inspired veggie dip
Toss into rice or quinoa
Add on top of roasted or grilled vegetables
Toss with chickpeas and then roast- SO GOOD!
Whip up a big platter of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas spiced with this Moroccan-inspired blend, tuck those spiced beauties into some pita bread with arugula and yogurt sauce, and OMG OMG OMG!

moroccan spice blend in a jar on a white background

ADDING SALT TO SPICE BLENDS

I recommend not adding salt directly to the spice blend, but you will absolutely need to add salt to your meat, protein, or vegetable when cooking. I personally prefer to adjust the salt depending on the dish and prefer my spice mixes to not have salt mixed in.

dried spices on a white marble slab on a white background

FAQ + RECIPE TIPS!

How much of this spice blend do you use per pound of meat?

I recommend 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat. I typically add crushed garlic and salt to most dishes as well. It also pairs well with lemon juice. I am offering a range rather than a rule when using this spice mix because I’ve found that there isn’t an exact formula. When using this spice blend on lamb for kebabs, I prefer 1 tbsp. When using this spice blend in burgers I tend to go heavier with 2 tbsp per pound of meat. For beans and veggies I taste at 1 tbsp and adjust accordingly.

Small jar of a moroccan spice blend on a white background with an overflowing spoon on the side

I can’t wait for you to try this Moroccan Inspired Spice Mix!

If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

More spice mixes:

Moroccan Inspired Spice Blend

Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN

Mix up a batch of homemade Moroccan-inspired spice blend to add a burst of unique flavor and spice to meat, veggies, chicken, or grains.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Course Condiment

Cuisine Moroccan

Ingredients

1 tbsp ground cumin
1/2 tbsp ground cardamom
1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
1/2 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust down if you don't like spicy)
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a small bowl mix the spices together. Pour into a sealed container and store in a cool, dry place for 6 months.

Notes

NOTE ON SALT:

WAYS TO USE MOROCCAN-INSPIRED SPICE BLEND

Use as a dry rub on lamb, beef, or chicken
Add to ground beef for an amazing burger or meatballs
Sprinkle some on top of greek yogurt for a delicious Moroccan-inspired veggie dip
Toss into rice or quinoa
Add on top of roasted or grilled vegetables
Toss with chickpeas and then roast- SO GOOD!
Whip up a big platter of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas spiced with this Moroccan-inspired blend, tuck those spiced beauties into some pita bread with arugula and yogurt sauce, and OMG OMG OMG!

Snap a photo when you try this recipe!Tag me! @abrapappa or #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!

Meet Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN

Abra is a licensed nutritionist, seasoned home cook, and forever flavor-chaser. She’s spent more than two decades exploring the connection between food and health—and just as long obsessing over what makes something truly delicious. Abra’s Kitchen is where those two loves meet, with recipes that celebrate vegetables, follow the seasons, and make you excited to cook.