The first time I tasted the Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh uses in their recipes, I was hooked. It was in a roasted chicken dish with chickpeas and couscous, and the flavors were bold, aromatic, and just plain addictive. It instantly reminded me of walking through a Mediterranean spice market—warm cumin, a whisper of mint, and that earthy backbone that makes everything feel cozy and satisfying.
Ever since then, I’ve been making this spice blend at home. The best part? You probably already have most of these spices in your pantry. With a few basic ingredients and 5 minutes of mixing, you’ll have your own HelloFresh-style Turkish blend ready to sprinkle on everything. If you’re also into flavorful seasonings, don’t miss this quick and bold Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning—another pantry MVP!
Jump to:
Table of Contents
What Is the Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh?
HelloFresh includes pre-mixed spice blends in many of their global recipes, and this Turkish version is one of the most flavorful. It’s an earthy, slightly smoky, and herbaceous mix that gives their Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes their signature punch.
You’ll find this blend in HelloFresh recipes like roasted chickpeas with couscous, Turkish-style beef patties, and warm rice bowls with grilled chicken or lamb. It pairs beautifully with olive oil, lemon, yogurt, and creamy sauces. If you like building sauces from scratch, you might also want to check out the Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base—it’s a great neutral foundation to add this spice to.
Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh Ingredients
Full Ingredient Breakdown
- Paprika: Adds color and a sweet-smoky base
- Garlic powder: Earthy backbone that complements meats and veggies
- Dried cilantro or coriander leaf: Bright herbal note
- Salt: Balances and brings it all together
- Dried mint: Classic in Turkish cuisine—adds a fresh contrast
- Sugar Rounds the flavor with subtle sweetness
- Turmeric: Adds earthiness and a beautiful golden tone
- Onion powder: Deep savory depth
- Ground cumin: Nutty, warm, and essential to the blend
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity
- Smoked paprika: Optional, but adds serious depth
- Cinnamon: A warm, subtle finish that makes the whole thing pop
Optional Additions
- Sumac: Tangy and citrusy—authentically Turkish
- Cayenne: For those who like it spicy
- Dried oregano: Can substitute mint if unavailable
- Dried parsley: Works for those who don’t like cilantro
Spice Tip: Want a little more zing? Add 1 tsp of sumac for that citrusy edge found in traditional Turkish blends.
How to Make Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh
Ready to get mixing? You can create this blend in under five minutes. It’s a simple dump-and-stir process, but the results taste like something straight from a spice market in Istanbul. Here’s how to make it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure out each spice: Use the ingredient list above or scale it based on your taste preferences. You can double or triple the recipe for meal prep.
- Mix in a bowl: Combine everything in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to make sure it’s evenly blended—no spice pockets!
- Transfer to an airtight container: A small spice jar or reused seasoning shaker works great. Use a funnel if needed.
- Label and date: Always a good idea when making homemade spice mixes.
- Store in a cool, dark place: A spice drawer or cabinet away from the stove is perfect.
Storage Tip: Use within 6 months for peak flavor. Spices lose their punch over time, especially if exposed to light or heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or fork (for mixing)
- Spice jar or small airtight container
- Optional: Small funnel for easy jar filling
Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup 1x
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Bold, earthy, and incredibly aromatic—this Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh copycat comes together in 5 minutes and instantly transforms any dish with warm Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried coriander or cilantro leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small mixing bowl.
- Use a whisk or fork to mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Transfer to an airtight spice jar or container.
- Label and date the jar; store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Use within 6 months for best flavor. Try adding 1 tsp sumac for a citrusy twist or cayenne for heat. Perfect on meats, grains, roasted veggies, or stirred into sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Use Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh
This blend is one of those “use it on everything” types. It adds instant depth, aroma, and warmth to almost any dish. Whether you’re grilling meat, roasting veggies, or just jazzing up a soup, this blend fits right in. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Dry rub for chicken or lamb: Coat the protein before grilling or roasting
- Mix into ground beef: For Turkish-inspired burgers or meatballs
- Sprinkle on roasted vegetables: Especially carrots, sweet potatoes, or eggplant
- Rice and grain bowls: Stir into couscous, quinoa, or rice pilaf for earthy, bold flavor
- Homemade sauces: Add to yogurt, hummus, or a lemon-tahini dressing
- Soups & stews: Sprinkle in lentil soup or chickpea stew for Middle Eastern vibes
- Eggs: A pinch of scrambled or baked eggs goes a long way
For an extra flavor boost on grilled meats or roasted vegetables, I sometimes combine this blend with a little olive oil and fresh garlic. It also pairs incredibly well with bolder blends like Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice if you’re layering flavors.
Flavor Profile: What Does Turkish Spice Taste Like?
The Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh uses is rich, earthy, and warmly aromatic. It brings together the subtle sweetness of paprika, the nuttiness of cumin, and the herbaceous brightness of mint or coriander. Depending on whether you add sumac or cinnamon, the blend can also lean tangy or slightly sweet.
- Warmth: From cumin and cinnamon
- Earthiness: Thanks to turmeric and garlic
- Herbal Notes: From mint, coriander, or oregano
- Smokiness: Smoked paprika adds depth
- Tang (optional): Sumac brings a citrus-like zing
It’s bold but balanced—never overpowering. A perfect complement to grilled meats, creamy sauces, or plant-based mains.
Substitutes for Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh
Quick Pantry Swaps
- Basic mix: 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, pinch of salt
- Use za’atar: Similar Middle Eastern profile, especially with sumac and herbs.
- Ras el hanout: A Moroccan spice blend that offers complexity and warmth
- Taco seasoning: In a pinch, use with added coriander and cinnamon
Other HelloFresh Blends to Try
- Tunisian Spice Blend: Hotter, with chili and caraway
- Roasted Herb Blend: Includes rosemary, parsley, and thyme
- Freddy’s Fry Sauce — a creamy dip that pairs beautifully with this spice mix!
FAQs About Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh
What is in HelloFresh Turkish spice blend substitute?
You can make your own with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, mint or oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon or sumac. It’s warm, aromatic, and super versatile.
What is in the Turkish spice blend?
The core ingredients typically include paprika, cumin, garlic powder, coriander or mint, black pepper, and sometimes cinnamon or turmeric.
What is in HelloFresh roasted spice and herb blend?
That one includes herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme—perfect for veggies or potatoes, but not as bold or earthy as the Turkish blend.
What is in the Tunisian spice blend, HelloFresh?
It’s spicier and includes caraway, chili, coriander, and cumin—great for North African dishes or bold chicken marinades.
What seasoning do Turkish restaurants use?
Common ones include sumac, Aleppo pepper, cumin, dried mint, paprika, and a mix called baharat (like a Turkish garam masala).
What can you use instead of the spice mix?
Try combining individual spices from your pantry, like paprika, cumin, garlic, and dried herbs. Or use za’atar, taco seasoning (toned down), or ras el hanout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving those bold, earthy, and complex flavors from HelloFresh recipes, this Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh copycat is your answer. It takes minutes to make, stores well, and instantly upgrades your meal, without relying on packet seasoning.
From juicy kebabs to creamy yogurt dips, roasted veggies to couscous bowls, this blend has you covered. Want more flavor-packed inspiration? Check out these other spice favorites:
