Middle Eastern spice Blend for Rice

[Frizbee]

Middle eastern spice mixes Help!
I need help for some Middle Eastern visitors I am working with (mainly Iraqi’s) and they asked me if I had a spice blend for rice. The folks couldn’t articulate to me (and I unfortunately don’t speak Arabic) what the blend was made of. Anyone out there know what they traditionally put in rice, with tomato paste or sauce and onions?
Also is there a seasoning blend for the bread? They are making bread and the research I have just done talks about a spice they dip the bread into. Also is there any traditional spice (blend?) other than curry powder they use for chicken kebobs?
As soon as I can get a response would be great I would like to get this out to them today or tomorrow.
Thanks!
Sorry for the doube post, wasn't sure where I would get a response from quickly.
Frizbee

[Beemerchef]

Originally Posted by Frizbee

Middle eastern spice mixes Help!
I need help for some Middle Eastern visitors I am working with (mainly Iraqi’s) and they asked me if I had a spice blend for rice. The folks couldn’t articulate to me (and I unfortunately don’t speak Arabic) what the blend was made of. Anyone out there know what they traditionally put in rice, with tomato paste or sauce and onions?
Also is there a seasoning blend for the bread? They are making bread and the research I have just done talks about a spice they dip the bread into. Also is there any traditional spice (blend?) other than curry powder they use for chicken kebobs?
As soon as I can get a response would be great I would like to get this out to them today or tomorrow.
Thanks!
Sorry for the doube post, wasn't sure where I would get a response from quickly.

Frizbee

It is such a mutifacted question... only because, throughout Iraq... Iran... and any countries from that region, being Armenian myself... there is about a change in the food prep every 100 miles!
So, as I just finished a Contract with a Persian restaurant, one has to be able to find the happy medium... I had a great Chicken Kebab... people came from all over to have it... a Turkish Family came in and all 6 of them hated it!!!
The spice mixed with oil in which they dip the bread is called "Zahtar"...
make sure the bread is HOT!
The chicken is generally marinated at least 24 hrs in fresh squeezed lemon juice... with an onion or two passed till liquid through the food processor... and enough Saffron (powderized with a mortar) to give it a nice yellow color... and taste of course... and served as a Kebab... with red/green/yellow peppers... red onions... all cut square as much as possible... and separately sauteed with olive oil, salt/pepper and "Sumach"... another spice, reddish in color and strong and tangy tasting... not too much now! In between each pieces of chicken insert one piece of vegis... I know... it is cheating but the best way to have everything cooked properly...
Now the rice!!!... a millions ways... and to my knowledge, sorry to say... there are no spices... How about a nice Pilaff... melt butter, add broken vermicelli till a nice dark brown, not burned... add the rice... sautee some more and add "Campbells" chicken broth undiluted... 1C R for 2 C liquid... then you can add some sauteed onions (white), golden raisins... toasted almonds... all together they will cook to give the rice a great flavor...
when done, turn off and cover with a towel for an hour... let the rice fluff up and mingle... the initial butter will make them stay separate...
It is good...
What else???

Be well... Ara