Spices are essential components of the Saudi cuisine. In addition to their health benefits and medical uses, they add taste and color to the traditional dishes of Saudi Arabia, turning them into delicious flavorsome dishes.
Over time, authentic spices have turned into a symbol reflecting Saudi culture and heritage. Below is a variety of the most common spices that are used daily in the Saudi kitchen:
Cardamom
Cardamom is one of the oldest known spices in the world. It is considered one of the signature spices in the Saudi kitchen. It has an attractive aroma and distinguished taste, making it an essential ingredient in many Saudi dishes.
Saudis often use cardamom to boost the flavor of their dishes, with its distinctive and fragrant aroma. Cardamom is used in Saudi traditional dishes, such as Kabsa, Saleeg and Mandy, as well as many desserts and pastries. Also, ground cardamom is added to coffee and tea.
Black Lime
Also known as dried lime, the black lime adds a delicious and tasty citrus touch to any meal. It can be used as whole or grounded and mixed with other spices for an enhanced flavor.
Black lime is commonly used in several Saudi traditional dishes, including Kabsa, Jareesh, and Qursan. It is also used in soups and stews. Recently, black limes have become a key ingredient in the cocktail industry to create exceptional flavors.
Cloves
With its distinctive sweet and spicy flavor, cloves add an aromatic taste to Saudi dishes. From sweet desserts to spicy roasted meat, cloves are indispensable component in the Saudi cuisine. They can be used in Kabsa and rice, or added to coffee and tea for enhanced taste.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the key spices, not only in Saudi Arabia, but also all over the world. Known for its distinctive hot and sharp flavor, black pepper boosts the taste of any dish.
Black pepper is the most commonly used spice in the Saudi cuisine. It is used in most main dishes and marinades.
Cumin
It is one of the most popular spices in the Saudi cuisine, featuring in almost every meal. Cumin is distinguished for its slightly bitter sharp flavor and earthy taste.
To add a unique aroma, cumin is used to season meat, rice and bread. It is also added to stews, soups, salads and roasted vegetables.
Nutmeg
In order to add a warm, nutty flavor, nutmeg is used in many traditional dishes in the Saudi kitchen. Nutmeg powder is added to meat, rice and vegetables as well as sweet dishes.
Saffron
Despite being one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is widely used in the Saudi cuisine. It has a rich and sharp flavor that adds delicious taste and attractive golden color to food.
Saffron is a highly-valued ingredient in Saudi Arabia. It is used to add fragrance to rice, soups, seafood, and many traditional desserts. Biryani is one of the most famous dishes that use saffron.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most popular and beloved spices in the Saudi kitchen. With its sweet and warm flavor and fragrant aroma, cinnamon is an essential ingredient in many desserts, pastries and savory dishes. It can also be added to hot drinks, including tea, coffee and milk.
Ginger
Known for its spicy flavor and refreshing fragrance, ginger is a main ingredient in many Saudi traditional dishes and desserts. It is also added to hot drinks and cocktails.
Dried Coriander
Dried coriander has a distinctive citrus and peppery taste which adds vibrant flavor to Saudi dishes. It is used in meat and fish marinades to add aroma. It is also used in soups and stews for enhanced taste.
