Berbere Spice Blend

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< 1 min read
Summary

Berbere is a mix of dried spices traditionally used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. It’s used to flavor stews or as a rub for grilled meat. (It would be delicious rubbed on grilled tofu or tempeh!) Creating your own spice blend helps to minimize unwanted additives and preservatives found in some store-bought spice blends. These spices are packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, not to mention plenty of flavors. Use them often to create delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes!

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time5 minsCook Time3 minsTotal Time8 mins

Ingredients

 ½ tsp coriander seed
 ½ tsp cumin seed
 2 green cardamom pods
 ¼ tsp fenugreek seed
  tsp peppercorns
 1 tbsp chili powder
 1 tbsp sweet paprika
 ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional) +1/4 tsp as desired
 ¼ tsp garlic powder
 ¼ tsp ground ginger
  tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  tsp allspice
 ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Directions

1

Heat the coriander seed, cumin seed, cardamom pods, fenugreek seed, and peppercorns on medium heat in a medium stovetop pan until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes), tossing often to prevent burning.

2

Once finished toasting, grind the spices in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

3

Add the toasted ground spices and remaining berbere spices to a small bowl and mix well.

4

Transfer to an airtight container and store in a dry, dark place for up to six months.

Chef's Notes

Substitutions
Use fennel seed in place of fenugreek seed.

Use smoked paprika in place of sweet paprika for a smoky flavor.

Use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in place of allspice.

Storage
Store in an airtight container in a dry, dark place for up to six months.

Ingredients

 ½ tsp coriander seed
 ½ tsp cumin seed
 2 green cardamom pods
 ¼ tsp fenugreek seed
  tsp peppercorns
 1 tbsp chili powder
 1 tbsp sweet paprika
 ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional) +1/4 tsp as desired
 ¼ tsp garlic powder
 ¼ tsp ground ginger
  tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  tsp allspice
 ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Directions

1

Heat the coriander seed, cumin seed, cardamom pods, fenugreek seed, and peppercorns on medium heat in a medium stovetop pan until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes), tossing often to prevent burning.

2

Once finished toasting, grind the spices in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

3

Add the toasted ground spices and remaining berbere spices to a small bowl and mix well.

4

Transfer to an airtight container and store in a dry, dark place for up to six months.

Berbere Spice Blend