Berbere

Name: Berbere
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Ingredients: 100g dried guajillo chilies, stemmed; 2 tbsp coriander seeds; 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds; 1 tsp cardamom seeds; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 6 whole cloves; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp allspice berries; 1 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ginger powder; 1/2 tsp nutmeg

በርበሬ (ber-beh-REH)

Ethiopian Signature Spice Blend

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

A complex, brick-red spice blend of dried chilies, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, and over a dozen aromatics, the soul of Ethiopian cooking.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 1.0g

Carbs 3.0g

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

spice grinder or mortar dry skillet airtight container

Presentation Guide

Vessel: airtight jar or traditional container

Garnishes: none

Accompaniments: used in virtually all Ethiopian cooking

Ingredients

100g dried guajillo chilies, stemmed
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp cardamom seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
6 whole cloves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp allspice berries
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1
Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet for two minutes until fragrant and pliable.
2
Toast coriander, fenugreek, cardamom, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, and allspice separately until each is fragrant.
3
Let all toasted spices cool completely to room temperature before grinding to prevent moisture from forming.
4
Grind toasted chilies first into a fine powder, then add remaining toasted spices and grind together thoroughly.
5
Add turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the ground mixture and blend until uniform in color and texture.
6
Store in an airtight container away from light. Berbere improves in flavor for the first week and keeps for months.

💡

Did You Know?

Ethiopian families traditionally prepare their annual berbere supply together, with the recipe varying from household to household as a source of family pride.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

spice grinder or mortar
dry skillet
airtight container

Garnishing

none

Accompaniments

used in virtually all Ethiopian cooking

The Story Behind Berbere

Berbere is the defining spice blend of Ethiopian cuisine, a complex mixture that can contain up to twenty-five different spices. Its origins stretch back centuries to when Ethiopia sat at the crossroads of the spice trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Each family guards their berbere recipe as a culinary heirloom, and the annual communal preparation of berbere is a significant social event. No other single ingredient has more influence on the character of Ethiopian food.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed prepared in bulk, used daily 📜 Origins: Ancient Ethiopian

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