Advieh is a Persian spice mix that comprises several warm, flavorful aromatic spices. It’s popularly used in many Iranian recipes like lubia polo (Persian green bean rice), Persian roasted turkey, and many more.
This article explores the recipe, ingredients, flavors, uses, and substitutes for advieh.
What is Advieh Spice?
Advieh literally means “spice”. This Persian spice mix is part and parcel of several Iranian cuisines; something similar to Indian seasoning, garam masala. This mild and subtle spice mixture is the secret behind several delicious Persian savory dishes with amazing flavor and aroma.
The ingredients used in advieh may vary in each region or according to the specific requirements of the flavors of a Persian dish. There are different versions of this spice blend like advieh khoresh (mostly used in stews and soup), or advieh mahi (used in fish dishes).
What Is Advieh Made Of?
The ingredient in advieh may slightly vary from place to place and according to the type of dish. The three core spices in this seasoning mix are cumin, cloves, and cinnamon; they render a smoky, sweet, warm floral taste to the dish. Ground black pepper in it brings in a warm pungent flavor. Ground turmeric used in advieh gives a bright yellow color to the food. The light floral aroma of the spice blend comes from the dried rose petal added to it. Again, ground cardamom is used in this Persian spice blend for its intense sweet aroma and flavor. Lastly, saffron threads are used in advieh for sweet, floral taste and bright yellow color.
If you have these ingredients, you can make advieh spice mix at home which allows you to customize the blend according to your taste preferences. Usually, a teaspoon of advieh is enough to be added to a dish prepared for four people.
What Does Advieh Spice Taste Like?
The flavor of advieh spice mix varies according to the ingredients used in them. Usually, the traditional blend includes common spices such as cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and rose petals.
Cumin provides a hint of smoky bitterness and a bit of earthy nuttiness. Inclusion of rose petals gives a sweet floral taste. It has a subtle piney and camphoraceous quality that comes from the cloves added to it. On the whole, advieh tastes moderately warm and spicy with a sweet floral and smoky flavor.
Uses Of Persian Spice Mix
Advieh spice mix is a common ingredient in many Iranian recipes; used for both flavor and aroma.
In Iran, you cannot think of preparing tomato rice or adas polo without this spice. It is the core ingredient used in chicken dishes or stews such as lamp stew or zereshk polo usually served with rice.
Aviedh is often sprinkled over lamb, beef, or chicken before grilling or roasting. A meat rub with Persian spice mix is the usual marination before making chicken or mutton kebabs.
Also, advieh spice is used in vegetable dishes, frittatas, soups, stews pickles, and more.
Advieh Recipe
What about making your own advieh spice at home? Here is the recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Cumin
- 4 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Dried Rose Petals
- 2 tsp Turmeric
- 2 tsp Ground Cardamom
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Ground Clove
Preparation
- Place all the ingredients in a jar with a tight lid.
- Thoroughly shake the jar for a couple of minutes till the spices are fully blended.
- Store the spice mix in an air-tight container and keep it in a dry, cool area for your kitchen cabinet.
Shelf life
Spice blends are best when used immediately whilst really fresh. Thus it’s best to use within 6 months after making the advieh spice mix. However, it has a shelf life of up to 1 year if stored properly.
Advieh Substitutes
What to use in place of advieh spice? Here are the best substitutes to consider:
Homemade Persian Spice Mix
A homemade spice mix is very useful as you can customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences. To make things simple for you, advieh spice is made of common ingredients, most of which are readily stocked in most kitchen cabinets. We have already discussed the advieh recipe above. Go and make it your own.
Baharat Spice Mix
Baharat is an Arabian spice blend that is commonly used in Middle East cuisines. It’s somewhat similar to advieh for they both have similar ingredients except a few additional ingredients like nutmeg, allspice, and coriander in baharat spice. Similarly, you won’t have a floral tone of advieh in baharat. Despite a few differences, they both have similar uses in cooking with closely matching flavors. Baharat is a good substitute for advieh in a pinch.
Other Alternatives
Other advieh substitutes you can consider are moderately warm and sweet spice blends from the Middle East or Eastern Mediterranean. Yemenis savory hawaij spice blend that is used for soups and stews are a good alternative to advieh. The Egyptian spice mixture Za’atar is another good option to consider.
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