Berbere spice mix

I make this a little differently every time. Here’s a recipe that will work if you don’t want to think about things, then I’ll list a few optional ingredients.

  • 1/8 t allspice
  • 1/2 t cardamom
  • 1/8 t cinnamon
  • 1/8 t cloves
  • 1/2 t coriander
  • 1 t ground (dried) ginger
  • 1 t fenugreek (i’m experimenting with using even more fenugreek, and think it would be good)
  • 4 T paprika
  • 6 T ethiopian red chili — the Brundo market in Oakland just labels this stuff berbere chili. If you’re using this recipe, you want chili, not a spice mix. Other kinds of chili work well enough.

can also add:

  • 1/4 t nutmeg
  • 1/2 t black pepper
  • 1/4 t turmeric
  • salt (i add this when i’m cooking–is there a reason to add it to the mix?)

Grind everything. Dry roast it in a skillet for a few minutes, stirring (almost) constantly. Do not inhale powdered chili. Cool, keep in bone-dry container. Yields about a 3/4 cup (whatever–do the math yourself). I usually make enough to fill a pint jar + whatever I plan on using that night.

-N

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