Best 4 Berbere Spice Mix Ethiopian Recipes

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In Ethiopian cuisine, berbere is a ubiquitous spice blend that brings a vibrant tapestry of flavors to an array of dishes. This flavorful blend forms the foundation of many traditional stews, meat dishes, and vegetable preparations. The cornerstone of berbere lies in the harmonious union of earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and fenugreek with the piquant warmth of bird's eye chili peppers, creating a captivating sensory experience.

Our curated selection of berbere-inspired recipes offers a culinary expedition through the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia. From the classic beef stew known as doro wat, where tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a rich, berbere-infused sauce, to the delectable vegetarian delight of misir wot, where earthy lentils are simmered in a fragrant berbere broth, these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

For those seeking a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, our simplified berbere chicken stir-fry offers a burst of aromatic spices, while the berbere-roasted carrots provide a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. And for those who enjoy the heat, our spicy berbere sauce recipe is a must-try, adding a fiery kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a tantalizing condiment.

Each recipe unravels the unique culinary heritage of Ethiopia, showcasing the versatility of berbere and its ability to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes promise an unforgettable taste adventure that will transport you to the heart of Ethiopian cuisine.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

BERBERE (ETHIOPIAN SPICE BLEND)



Berbere (Ethiopian Spice Blend) image

Central to Ethiopian cuisine, berbere is a spice blend that is fiery hot and bursting with flavor!

Provided by Kimberly Killebrew

Categories     condiment     Seasoning

Number Of Ingredients 14

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

Steps:

  • 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.
  • 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 place.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 teaspoon, Calories 11 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 127 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g

ETHIOPIAN SPICE MIX (BERBERE)



Ethiopian Spice Mix (Berbere) image

Berbere is a chile and spice blend used to season many Ethiopian dishes. Because authentic berbere can be hard to find, we developed our own recipe. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Categories     Quick & Easy     Spice     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 teaspoon fenugreek
1/2 cup ground dried New Mexico chiles
1/4 cup paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • Finely grind fenugreek seeds in an electric coffee/spice grinder. Stir together with remaining ingredients until combined well.

BERBERE (ETHIOPIAN SPICE)



Berbere (Ethiopian Spice) image

For those of you who have difficulty locating berbere in your local grocery store, this recipe is a good substitute that is easy to make. Note that it is quite spicy, so use to taste. This spice combination is used in many Ethiopian dishes including doro wat, an Ethiopian chicken dish.

Provided by Twin Cities

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     African

Time 10m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup red chili powder
½ cup paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Mix chili powder, paprika, salt, fenugreek, ginger, onion powder, coriander, cardamom, garlic powder, cloves, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 25.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Fat 1.2 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 345.2 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

BERBERE SPICE MIX (ETHIOPIAN)



Berbere Spice Mix (Ethiopian) image

Here is another version of the distinctive Ethiopian spice mix that flavors many of their dishes. Use it to season grilled fish, poultry or meat during cooking, or sprinkle it on meat or vegetable dishes at the table. I found this recipe in Homemakers magazine.

Provided by Dreamer in Ontario

Categories     Ethiopian

Time 5m

Yield 1/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 teaspoons pure chile powder (ground dried red hot peppers) or 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
5 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/8 teaspoon ground fenugreek
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

  • Combine and whisk together all ingredients.
  • Store in airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.7, Fat 16.1, SaturatedFat 3, Sodium 22024.7, Carbohydrate 62, Fiber 39.8, Sugar 8.8, Protein 15.9

Tips:

  • To make the most flavorful berbere spice mix, use a variety of chili peppers, including both hot and mild varieties. This will give the spice mix a complex flavor profile with a nice balance of heat.
  • Toast the spices before grinding them. This will release their essential oils and make the spice mix more aromatic.
  • Use a high-quality coffee grinder to grind the spices. This will ensure that the spices are finely ground and evenly distributed.
  • Store the berbere spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve its flavor and aroma.
  • Experiment with different proportions of spices to create your own unique berbere spice mix. There is no right or wrong answer, so have fun and be creative!

Conclusion:

Berbere spice mix is a versatile and flavorful blend that can be used to add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. It is a staple ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine, but it can also be used to enhance the flavor of dishes from other cultures. Whether you are using it to make a traditional Ethiopian stew or simply adding it to your favorite soup or stew, berbere spice mix is sure to add a delicious and unique flavor to your food.

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