Berbere (Ethiopian Spice Blend)

User Reviews

5

94 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    18 servings

  • Calories

    11 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Ethiopian

Berbere (Ethiopian Spice Blend)

Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend featuring toasted whole seeds and dried chilies combined with ground aromatic spices and paprika. This blend offers a complex, warming flavor with moderate heat and a mix of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes, essential for authentic Ethiopian dishes.

Description

The recipe calls for toasting coriander, cumin, fenugreek, black peppercorns, allspice, cardamom seeds, cloves, and dried red chili pieces in a skillet until fragrant to release their essential oils, then cooling before grinding. The toasted ground spices are combined with paprika, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric to complete the mixture.

The resulting deep red powder balances heat from the chilies with warm and sweet elements from the spices, lending an intense aroma and flavor to stews, meats, and vegetable dishes. Berbere is a key ingredient in many Ethiopian recipes.

For cooks preferring less heat, removing seeds from the dried chilies reduces spiciness while preserving flavor. The blend should be stored airtight in a dark, cool place and is best used within three months for optimal freshness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 allspice berries whole
  • green cardamom seeds seeds of 4 pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 5 dried red chili , seeds and membranes removed and broken into small pieces (see Note)
  • 3 tablespoons paprika sweet
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric

Instructions

  1. In a heavy skillet over high heat, toast the whole spices (seeds) and chilies, shaking the pan regularly to prevent scorching, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
  2. Grind the cooled spices in a spice or coffee grinder. Add all remaining ground spices and salt and grind everything together.Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Will keep for up to 3 months.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • For less heat, remove the seeds from the dried chilies before toasting to control spiciness.
  • Store the spice blend in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve flavor up to three months.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1teaspoon Calories 11kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 127mg (5%) Potassium 78mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 694IU (14%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 18servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 11 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1teaspoon
Calories 11kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 127mg 5%
Potassium 78mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 694IU 14%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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