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Ambrosial Aleppo Spice Recipe: Weeknight Magic
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Ambrosial Aleppo Spice Recipe: Weeknight Magic

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Aleppo pepper (or substitute 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper + 1 teaspoon paprika if you can’t find it)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but totally worth it)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas or 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Mix the spices in a small bowl. This is your flavor orchestra, so give it a good stir until everything is friends. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. No caramelization drama—keep it simple.
  • If using chicken, add it now and brown on all sides. If using chickpeas, skip to the spice step to let the flavors cling on.
  • Sprinkle the spice mix over the meat or chickpeas. Stir to coat evenly, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like a touch more brightness, a squeeze of lemon completes the dish nicely.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth that says, “Yes, I nailed this.”