Berbere Ethiopian Spice Paste Recipes

BERBERE (ETHIOPIAN SPICE BLEND)

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet over high heat, toast the whole spices (seeds) and chilies, shaking the pan regularly to prevent scorching, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
• Grind the cooled spices in a spice or coffee grinder. Add all remaining ground spices and salt and grind everything together.
• Store in an airtight container in a dark place.

BERBERE (ETHIOPIAN SPICE)

Steps:

• Mix chili powder, paprika, salt, fenugreek, ginger, onion powder, coriander, cardamom, garlic powder, cloves, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

BERBERE - ETHIOPIAN SPICE PASTE

Steps:

• In a heavy 2 to 3 quart. saucepan, preferably enameled or non-stick, toast the ginger, cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and allspice over low heat, stirring constantly, just until heated through. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes.Combine the toasted spices, onions, garlic, 1 T of the salt and the wine in the jar of an electric blender and blend at high speed until the mixture is a smooth paste. A food processor will not suffice for this.Combine the paprika, red pepper, black pepper, and remaining salt in the saucepan and toast over low heat, stirring constantly, for a minute or so, until they are heated through.Stir in the water, ¼ c at a time, then add the spice and wine mixture. Stirring constantly, cook over the lowest possible heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

SPICE PASTE (BERBERE)

Steps:

• In a cast-iron skillet, toast the ginger, cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice over low heat.
• Do not burn, this should only take a minute or so.
• Set aside to cool.
• Combine the spices, onions, garlic, 1 tablespoon of the salt, and 3 tablespoons water in a small jar of a blender and blend until smooth.
• Combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of salt in the skillet and toast over low heat for a minute or so.
• Stir in the water, 1/4 cup at a time.
• Then stir in the blended mixture.
• Stirring vigorously, cook over the lowest possible heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer the berbere to a jar, packing it in tightly.
• Let the paste cook to room temperature, then cover with a film of oil.
• Store in the refrigerator between use.

BERBERE -- ETHIOPIAN RED PEPPER AND SPICE PASTE

Steps:

• In a heavy frying pan, toast the ginger, cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and allspice over a low heat for a minute or so.
• Stir constantly until they are heated through and then remove from the pan.
• Next you need to combine the toasted spices, onions, garlic, 1 tbsp of the salt and all of the wine together into a smooth paste.
• I prefer to do this in a mortar and pestle but if you have a blender that is good with small quantities that may work too.
• Next mix the paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper and the rest of the salt in the frying pan and toast them over a low heat.
• Stir in the water 1/4 cup at a time and then add the spice and wine mixture.
• Stir vigorously and cook over the lowest possibly heat, stirring all the time, for an absolute minimum of 5 minutes and up to 10 or even 15 minutes if you can.
• Transfer the spice paste to a jar and pack it in tightly.
• Let the paste cool to room temperature and then cover with enough oil so it makes a film about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
• If you keep it covered with oil, the paste will last in the fridge for 5-6 months.

ETHIOPIAN SPICE MIX (BERBERE)

Steps:

• Finely grind fenugreek seeds in an electric coffee/spice grinder. Stir together with remaining ingredients until combined well.