I have always wanted to try Berbere spices in my food. I decided it was time. I did some research as to what spices went into Berbere Spice and adjusted them a bit for my tastes. For example, it normally has ground dried chilies. I used ground chipotle. I just couldn’t resist the smokiness that it adds.
Berbere spice is a north African spice blend used often in Ethiopian cooking. From my research, making Berbere spice in north Africa is a major production with peppers being dried and ground from scratch.
Let me apologize to everyone from that area of the world. This is just my poor attempt at reproducing your wonderful spice blend.
I started by grinding the fenugreek seeds in a coffee grinder.
Then, I just mixed all the ingredients together.
Remember to store it in a customized personally decorated air tight container.
The Verdict
This is an amazing spice blend. I will warn you that it has a lot of heat if you are not into very spicy blends but it is also full of complexity and great flavour notes. It would be great in stir fries, soups, stews and on roasted and smoked meats. You will be seeing it in more of my posts.
The Old Fat Guy
Ingredients
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) fenugreek seeds
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) ground chipotle (can substitute ground chili peppers)
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) paprika
- 25 ml (2 tablespoons) kosher salt
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) ground ginger
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) onion powder
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground cardamom
- 3 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground coriander
- 3 ml (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 1 ml (1/4 teaspoon) cloves
- 1 ml (1/4 teaspoon) cinnamon
- 1 ml (1/4 teaspoon) ground allspice
Instructions
- Grind fenugreek in a coffee grinder.
- Blend all ingredients together.
- Store in a sealed container.
10 Responses
I have never heard of Berbere Spice but I love to try new things so thank you very much for sharing!
You’re quite welcome. I just can’t resist trying new foods.
This sounds really good! I always hope that some year my husband will mysteriously develop a love for all things spicy!
Speaking of my husband, he bought the book you recommended and is really enjoying it. I am still adapting to him reading a cookbook, but I will get used to it!
I have the same problem with She Who Must Be Obeyed. She just isn’t into the hot food.
I am sure your husband will become addicted to smoking. It is fun, involves fire and smoke and makes great food!
I’ve wanted to have Berbere in my kitchen ever since my wife and I ate at an Ethiopian restaurant a while back. I could not for the life of me identify the incredible flavors we were experiencing, so when he told me it was a spice blend, I knew I had to try using it myself. I think this is the post that will finally get me from wishing to doing. : ) Thanks!!
Thanks for the kind words, Josh. I like Berbere spice but it is hot! Enjoy.
This is pretty awesome. My spice mix is a bit simpler and I dry roast the Fenugreek in a pan along with a few other spices. Then I grind all the spices together in the grinder. It gives it a whole new profile. I made a mix with no heat for my family. They really like it.
Sounds wonderful. I should try dialing the heat back a bit too.
Looks like a flavorful combination. I am making this right away! I love a good spice.
I will warn you, it is very spicy! Use with care.