FIVE SPICE

Five Spice image

At once musky and sweet, with a pronounced kick, five spice is traditionally made from equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise and peppercorns (usually Sichuan or white). This one, adapted from Kian Lam Kho, the author of "Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees: Essential Techniques of Authentic Chinese Cooking" (Clarkson Potter, 2015), includes Sichuan peppercorns to give the mix a characteristically numbing, tingly sensation on the tongue known as mala. Once the spices are toasted and mixed, the blend can be used both whole (simmered into stews, braises and soups) and ground (added to sauces, roasted meats and vegetables). Or, stir some salt into the ground blend and use it as a piquant table condiment: It's wonderful sprinkled on everything from barbecued meats to scrambled eggs.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories condiments

Time 5m

Yield 1/4 cup ground spice blend

Number Of Ingredients 5

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Ingredients

1 (2-inch/5-gram) piece cassia bark or cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons/5 grams fennel seeds
5 whole star anise pods (5 grams)
3 1/2 teaspoons/5 grams Sichuan peppercorns
2 teaspoons/5 grams whole cloves

Steps:

Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add spices and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and set aside to cool. If using the whole spices for a braise, they are ready to go.
To make the spices into a powder, use a spice grinder, clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle to grind the spices until fine. If you like, you can strain the mix through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any coarse bits, but this is optional. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Theresa Lapin

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This is a great recipe for beginners. It's easy to follow and the end result is a delicious and impressive dish.

Ronia Duminy

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I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but this recipe was just the right amount of heat for me. It was flavorful without being overwhelming.

Norva Psychic Medium

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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's definitely worth the effort. The end result is a flavorful and impressive dish that's perfect for a special occasion.

IHsAn GuLZaR

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I love the fact that this recipe uses all pantry staples. It's a great way to use up ingredients that I already have on hand.

Desire Desire

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This is a really versatile recipe. I've used it to make chicken, pork, and beef, and it's always delicious.

Viktor Galvins

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I've never made anything like this before, but it was surprisingly easy. The instructions were clear and concise, and the dish turned out great.

Queen Lilith

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I'm not a huge fan of five-spice powder, but I thought I'd give this recipe a try anyway. I was surprised at how much I liked it! The spices are very well-balanced.

Tamin Tamim

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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I love that I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and dinner is ready when I get home.