Berbere Spice is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend. It is a mix of hot and sweet blends that will give your meal that spicy and zesty kick. You will find yourself adding this to almost all your meals.
What is Berbere Spice?
Ethiopian Berbere Spice is a flavorful and unique spice blend that adds a bit of heat and complexity to any dish. It’s a staple of Ethiopian cooking and is often used in stews, sauces, and other dishes to make them more flavorful and delicious.
The blend can be found in a variety of heat levels. When used in small amounts, it can add a subtle kick to a dish, while larger amounts can give a meal a real spicy kick.
Berbere Spice is a versatile blend composed of chiles, garlic, fenugreek, ginger, basil, korarima, rue, ajwain, nigella, and salt. The combination of these spices creates a unique flavor that is both hot and sweet.
Origin…
Berbere Spice is an integral part of Ethiopian cuisine. It is used to flavor traditional Ethiopian dishes. However, the exact origin of the spice blend is unknown. What is known, however, is that the Barbare people of Ethiopia and Eritrea are known to use it in their dishes.
In the Ethiopian language, Amharic, Berbere is known as “hot” or “peppery”. This undoubtedly contributes to the spicy kick this spice gives the meals it’s added to.
Combine coriander, fenugreek, black peppercorns, cardamom, and allspice in a dry skillet.
Place over medium-low heat and toast, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes till it’s fragrant
Allow it to cool, then add it to a grinder together with all the other ingredients and grind it into a fine powder.
Use as desired and store the remaining in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
What does Berbere spice taste like?
Berbere spice blend has a complex flavor. It can be hot and peppery but also earthy and richly aromatic. The flavor can be spicy, sweet, and citrusy all at once, and the blend of spices can make it taste slightly different each time.
No Berbere spice blend recipe is the same. It is often compared to a kind of spicy barbecue, curry, or Southwestern steak rub.
Is Berbere spice the same as Peri Peri?
No, Berbere Spice and Peri-Peri are not the same. Berbere Spice is an Ethiopian spice blend, while Peri Peri Sauce is a spicy sauce originating from the Portuguese colonies of South Africa.
Is Berbere spice healthy?
Yes, berbere spice is healthy. It contains various spices, such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, cardamom, and fenugreek, which are all rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, the chili peppers used to make berbere are rich in vitamins A, and C.
What can I use Berbere spice for?
Berbere Spice can be used for seasoning stews, vegetables, soups, and many more. Additionally, it can be used as a dry rub for meats and as well as seasoning for poultry and fish.
Furthermore, it can be used as a tableside condiment and an ingredient in sauces and marinades. Berbere spice is also used to add warmth and depth of flavor to Ethiopian dishes and can be used to add a spicy kick to any recipe.
How to store Berbere Spice
Store Berbere spice in an airtight container kept in a cool, dry place. To maximize freshness, it is recommended to store Berbere spice in a dark, airtight container in a cool, dry place.
The purpose of the dark, airtight container is not to expose the Berbere spice to excessive sunlight and also to prevent moisture loss.
How long can Berbere spice last?
Berbere spice can be kept for up to one year if stored properly. Make sure to store well in an airtight container.
What can I add Berbere spice to?
You can add Berbere spice to a variety of dishes such as doro wat (Ethiopian Chicken stew) or shiro wat (Chickpea stew). It can also be used to season rice, potatoes, lentils, and other grains.
What’s more? You can use it to season meat, flavor stews, fish, and vegetables.
Tips to note:
Berbere Spice can be quite intense, so start with a small amount of Berbere spice in your dishes.
Berbere spice is at its best when freshly ground.
Toasting the spices before grinding can bring out more of the flavors.
Berbere spices can be used to season meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
You can also use berbere to make sauces, soups, and stews.
Berbere can be used as a dry rub for grilled or roasted meats.
Store your Berbere spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
A flavorsome meal does wonders for the soul. Adding the classic and traditional Berbere Spice to your meal is a sure way of making your meal more delicious and full of flavor. This spice blend will give your meal that spicy and zesty kick. You will find yourself adding this to almost all your meals.
Combine coriander, fenugreek, black peppercorns, cardamom, and allspice in a dry skillet. Place over medium-low heat and toast, stirring constantly until fragrant-about 3 to 4 minutes.
Once cooled, add to a grinder together with all the other ingredients and grind into a fine powder.
Use as desired and store the remaining in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Notes
Berbere Spice can be quite intense so start with a small amount of Berbere spice in your dishes.
Berbere spice is at its best when freshly ground.
Toasting the spices before grinding can bring out more of the flavors.
Berbere spices can be used to season meats, poultry, fish and vegetables.
You can also use berbere to make sauces, soups and stews.
Berbere can be used as a dry rub for grilled or roasted meats.
Store your Berbere spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
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