Berbere spice is a traditional spice blend from Ethiopia and Eritrea. It typically includes a combination of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices such as cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and cardamom.
The specific blend and proportion of spices can vary depending on the recipe or regional variations. Some blends may also include additional ingredients such as onion, cinnamon, and turmeric, which give Berbere its deep red color.
Berbere is used to flavor a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and meat dishes. It can also be used as a dry rub for meat or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
How to make barbere spice at home
Making Berbere spice at home is easy and you can adjust the recipe to your taste. Here is a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the dry spices.
- Add the minced garlic and mix well.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Note: You can adjust the amount of chili pepper to make it spicier or milder.
You can use Berbere spice in many dishes such as: stews, soups, meat dishes, marinades, rubs, and more. You can also mix it with oil or butter to make a paste, which can be used as a marinade for meat or a seasoning for vegetables.
Below we’ll discuss some specific examples.
What dishes have berbere spice in them?
Berbere spice is a staple in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, and is used to flavor a variety of dishes, including:
- Doro wat: A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice and served with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread.
- Tibs: A dish made with sautéed or grilled meat, vegetables, and berbere spice.
- Kitfo: A dish made from raw minced beef or steak, mixed with spices and served with bread or injera.
- Tibs Firfir: a dish made from sautéed or grilled meat, vegetables, and berbere spice, served with injera.
- Shiro: A thick stew made from ground chickpeas, lentils, or split peas, flavored with berbere spice and served with injera.
You can adjust the spices in the blend if desired and you will notice different variations online.