10 Ways to Spice Up Your Summer

Turn up the flavor on your favorite summer dishes with spices and internationally-inspired blends from our friends at Whole Spice.

We first met Ronit and Shuli—spice masters and owners of Whole Spice—at Oxbow Public Market in Napa, where they enchanted us with their know-how and their range of gorgeous, aromatic spices, all freshly ground in-house.

Their spices—from fruity Crushed Aleppo Chili and smoky Urfa Pepper to sweet n' savory Japanese Seven Spice and herbaceous Zahtar—enhance even the simplest of summer fare. Make a fast rub for ribs with Aleppo, brown sugar and salt, toss vegetables with Vadouvan Curry Powder before grilling or try our recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Fattoush Salad & Zahtar. Read on for 10 ways to spice up your summer favorites with Whole Spice.

10 Ways to Get Spicy this Summer

1. Add a Middle-Eastern twist to traditional Provencal ratatouille and season with Zahtar Spice Mix and chopped preserved lemon instead of the classic aromatics.
2. Season lamb burgers with spicy Marash Chili and top with a cooling mint & yogurt sauce.
3. Liberally season chicken wings with Vadouvan Curry Powder and grill.
4. Substitute Crushed Aleppo Pepper for the espelette powder in our recipe for Piment d’Espelette Aioli. Use as a zesty burger topping; dollop on flame-kissed salmon fillets or serve alongside grilled vegetables.
5. Make a zesty compound butter—mix a spoonful of Shichimi Togarashi and the zest of a lime to softened butter and dollop over steak, toss with blanched green beans or use as a garnish for grilled fish and seafood.
6. Celebrate summer produce with our recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Fattoush & Zahtar.
7. Whip up an easy BBQ rub with two parts Urfa Chili and one part each brown sugar and coarse sea salt.
8. Top grilled oysters with a yuzu mignonette sauce spiked with Shichimi Togarashi.
9. Spice up your summertime picnic fare with deviled eggs seasoned with Vadouvan Curry Powder.
10. Make grilled Middle-Eastern Manakish Zahtar (spiced flatbread)—brush store-bought or homemade pizza dough with extra virgin olive oil, top with a generous sprinkling of Zahtar Spice Mix and grill until the bread is cooked through.