Berbere is a red chili pepper spice mixture, it is a key ingredient to Ethiopian and Eritrea food. Berbere is also essential spice to Somali food and a must for East African pantry. Berbere is used a basis for flavoring anything from rub, marination, stews, soups, vegetables dishes, to garnishing food, it is so easy to make, it also keeps very well so you can make large batch and keep it in your pantry or share it with your friends.
Berber Spice Blend
2013-08-12 20:48:31
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1 table spoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 3 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the, cumin, cardamom, whole cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, fenugreek for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- finely grind the toasted spices in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
- mix in the remaining ingredients until combined.
- Store in a airtight jar.
Mysomalifood https://www.mysomalifood.com/
Assalamu alaykum dear sister
I really like the mix spices. Thank you for posting it
Can you (by chance) post how to make Ethiopian spicy sauce or do you know any website where i can get the recipe?
Thank you dear,
May Allah reward you!
Wa Alaikumu Salaam,
here is a link for Ethiopean recipes http://ethiopianrecipes.net/.
Insha Allah in the future I will post some.
BarakaAllahu feeki uhkti
by the way beautiful pictures you took from the berbere spice.
Salaam!!
I’m about to jump up and down on my bed! I am in LOVE with berbere spice and live in the middle of no where, no ethnic stores anywhere near me. This is amazing, I always thought I had to buy the berbere ready made but I can make it???????
YES!!!!!
Thank you so much!
Amal, I felt the same, when I found out too. 😉
[…] Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Turmeric powder 3 Tbsp (45 mL) Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Berbere spice mix (recipe at http://www.mysomalifood.com) 3 Tbsp (45 mL) Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â […]
Hi, Is there really supposed to be half a cup each of cayenne and paprika or is that a typo? Cheers, Kel
Hi Kel,
Yes half a cup, it sounds kind of weird but to be honest it suppose to stay in your pantry and use it for all kinds of things, for a rub, as marination or a dip. This doesn’t last that long if you use it daily. Therefore I make it in huge quantities. Hope this helps. 🙂
There is nothing like real berbere from Ethiopia. We bring it home for friends and family but this time I have enough to sell. If you are in Australia. Mine includes authentic and easy recipes.
Great Recipe. I always loved Ethiopian food and recently started cooking it myself. I found lots of recipes online that were really helpful and Ethiopian spices such as berbere and shiro from http://www.fassica.com. It’s been a great experience. I’d say my favorite food is now spicy Misir wot
fadlan walaal noogu tarjun af hooyo herbs and spices ka sababtoo ah waxaa jira kuwo laga helo somalia iyo kuwo aan laga helin
mahadsanid.
Salaam sister,
The cinnamon entry lacks a unit of measurement. Looking forward to trying your recipe.
I was told that authentic Berbere contains Ajwain seeds and that cumin and turmeric should not be used together. What are your thoughts?
I like Ajwain seeds please use it as this is a home made recipe you can add or take a way spices to suit your taste. Enjoy! I am not sure about the turmeric and cumin.
Waad mahadsantahay Caabi InshaAllah
Thank you Morgan, for pointing that out. Please do try it.
please make beef and mutton pilaf. I happen to buy some from a somali woman n it was waaaay different and outstanding than the swahili one. heeeeelp!!!!
Thank You, it is on my list 🙂
Thank you for this spice mix recipe! Many years ago, I had a Somali friend who made a delicious dish. I asked for the recipe. She told me all the ingredients and told me “spice”. I asked what kind of spice and she looked puzzled and said “Just spice”. I knew it must be something specific and your recipe tells me it is not just any spice! Now I can get out that old recipe,
Great! Thanks so much for sharing.