Berbere Spice Mix Recipe (Ethiopian Berbere)

Ethiopian berbere is an aromatic spice mix and it is a key ingredient in Ethiopian cooking. It is prepared by mixing both whole and ground spices like ginger powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and whole black pepper. One of the best things about making berbere is that spices used in this recipe are easily available at in-stores and online. This makes it accessible for anyone who wants to try Ethiopian cuisine at home. You can use this spice mix to prepare meat or vegetable stew, soup, curries or even for marinating the vegetables and meat. 

Berbere Spice Mix

During our trip to Japan, I tried Ethiopian injera platter for the first time. It came with several flavourful side dishes like doro wat ( chicken stew ), misir wat ( lentil stew ), tikil gomen ( spices potatoes and carrots ), sega wat ( beef stew ). All of these dishes were made using an authentic spice blend called berbere. After coming back from our trip, I decided to recreate the meal, so started with making my own berbere spice mix at home. And I loved how it turned out! 

About Berbere Spice Mix

Berbere is a traditional and authentic Ethiopian spice blend which is so aromatic, spicy and flavourful. It is an essential ingredient in Ethiopian dishes like meat stew, lentil stew and for marinating meats and vegetables. Berbere is used in Injera platter based meals, where spicy stews like Doro wat (chicken stew ), Misir wat ( lentils stew ) are served with fermented flatbread also known as Injera. The spicy curries are made using berbere spice that balances well with the tangy flavour of Injera and makes it irresistible. 

Berbere is a dry spice blend made by mixing spices like chilli, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and coriander. It is a spicy, slightly sweet, smoky and aromatic spice powder used in Ethiopian cooking. This spice powder is more like our Indian garam masala powder, only a few ingredients differ. 

Making homemade berbere spice is so easy. It is usually prepared by toasting the whole spices and then grinding them into fine powder. If you’re looking to try something unique and different from your comfort zone, then this Ethiopian berbere spice is an easy and wonderful way to make. It is easy to store and when added to your dishes it instantly adds a warm, spicy kick note. Try it once and you’ll find yourself making it often!

Similar Recipes

Berbere Spice Mix

Dorowat

Misir Wat

Gomen Wat

Ethiopian Cabbage Potato

Injera

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS 

Homemade freshness : When you make Ethiopian berbere blend at home, then the spice powder will be so fresh, aromatic, strong and flavourful compared to the store-bought powders. Freshly grounded spices always elevate the taste of your cooking to the next level. 

Customizable : One of the best things about homemade spice powder is that you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you prefer more spicy, then increase the quantity of chilli powder. If you prefer a mild sweet version, then increase the quantity of nutmeg and cinnamon. 

Versatile : Homemade Ethiopian berbere spice is so versatile that it can be used in vegetable stew, meat stew, lentil stew or even for marinating vegetables and meat for grilling. 

Ingredients

Chilli powder : Chilli powder provides the heat and bold flavour to the berbere. For substitutes, try with cayenne powder or paprika powder for vibrant red color and spice.

Garlic powder : Garlic powder adds a savoury, pungent flavour to the berbere blend. 

Onion powder : Onion powder gives a sweet and aromatic flavour 

Nutmeg powder : Nutmeg powder provides a mild sweet flavour that balances the spices. 

Ginger powder : Ginger powder gives a pungent, slight spicy flavour.

Whole coriander seeds : Coriander seeds have warm and mild citrusy flavour. I have used whole coriander seeds for roasting. If not, you can also substitute with coriander powder. But the flavour may be less intense while using coriander powder. 

Cumin seeds : Cumin seeds add a warm, earthy, nutty flavour to the spice blend. You can also substitute with cumin powder, but the flavour will not be so rich. 

Ajwain / carom seeds : Ajwain seeds add a mild herbal flavour to the spice and also aids in digestion. 

Whole black pepper : Whole black pepper adds a strong and spicy heat to the spice blend. Grounded pepper powder can also be substituted, but it is best to use whole for fresher aroma. 

Cinnamon : Cinnamon has a warm sweet and woody aroma. It helps to balance the heat of chilli. 

Cloves : Cloves add a sweet and aromatic flavour to the berbere spice blend.

Cardamom : Cardamom has a sweet and floral flavour that enhances the taste of berbere spice mix. 

Hacks

Stove top roasting : In a heavy bottom pan, add the whole spices one by one. Slowly roast them in low to medium heat. 

Oven roasting : Oven roasting the spices is great for large batches of making and also it is one of the quick methods for roasting. Preheat the oven to 180 degree celsius. In a baking tray, spread the spices and roast them without adding or spraying oil. It will take around 5 to 8 minutes. Then remove the tray from the oven and cool it off. Once cooled, grind them into powder using a blender. 

Berbere Spice Mix (Step by Step Pictures)

1)Start by roasting the whole spices in a pan. Stir fry on low heat until the spices are well roasted and fragrant.

2)Keep stirring on low heat for even roasting.

3)Now the spices are toasted.

4)once it is cool, add to a blender.

5)powder till fine.

6)Start adding the spice powders one by one.

7)Add in chilli powder.

8)Blend until fine.

9)Now the spices are blend well. Cool it and store in an air tight container.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to measure the spices to get the best flavours and aroma.
• Use fresh and whole spices for roasting as it provides the best flavour to the berbere spice mix. 
• Roast the spices in low flame to avoid burning. 
• If you don’t have whole spices, then replace with pre-grounded spice powders. 
• Sift the spice powder after grinding for a smooth fine powder.
• Store the spice mix in an airtight container. 

Storage

Cool the powdered spice masala and store it in an airtight container. It stays good for months. Always use a dry spoon when scooping out the spice powder. 

Serving

Berbere spice powder is used in many Ethiopian dishes as a flavouring agent like : 

Doro wat – A spicy chicken stew made using chicken, onion, ginger, garlic, boiled eggs and berbere is used as the main spice in this dish.

Misir wat – It is a vegetable lentil stew, served with injera.

Mix the berbere spice into yogurt or sour cream to create a spicy dip and serve it with pita bread. 

Spicy vegetable roasting can be prepared by toasting cauliflower, potato, carrot in olive oil and sprinkle with a generous amount of berbere spice powder. 

FAQ 

1 . Is berbere very spicy? 

Traditionally berbere is spicy. You can adjust the chilli quantity based on your spice tolerance. 

2.Can I use pregrounded spices instead of whole spices? 

Yes! You can use the pre-grounded mix as it makes the process quick and easier. But when you roast and ground the whole spices it gives you a strong and authentic flavour of berbere. 

3.How long can I store berbere? 

Store the berbere spice in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 1 to 3 months. Always use a dry spoon to scoop the powder and also store in small batches to avoid quick spoiling. 

4 . Is berbere the same as Indian curry powder / garam masala powder ?

No, they are different. Berbere includes specific Ethiopian ingredients and it is more spicy than Indian spice powders. 

Variations

Berbere grilled chicken : Marinate the chicken with berbere spice, yogurt, lemon juice and salt. It is best for grilling or baking. It is a great option for your barbeque party or quick healthy dinner plan. 

Berbere popcorn : To the popcorn add melted butter and sprinkle generous amounts of berbere spice. Toast them well. It will be a really spicy and great snack option for your movie time. 

Berbere mixed dip : Mix a little bit of berbere into mayonnaise, hummus for a spicy twist and serve it with wrap, pita bread and sandwiches.

More Spice Mix Recipes

📖 Recipe Card

Ethiopian Berbere Spice Recipe (Homemade Berbere)

Ethiopian berbere is an aromatic spice mix and it is a key ingredient in Ethiopian cooking. It is prepared by mixing both whole and ground spices like ginger powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and whole black pepper. One of the best things about making berbere is that spices used in this recipe are easily available at in-stores and online. This makes it accessible for anyone who wants to try Ethiopian cuisine at home. You can use this spice mix to prepare meat or vegetable stew, soup, curries or even for marinating the vegetables and meat. 

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 477kcal

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1504mg | Potassium: 2547mg | Fiber: 47g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 26410IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 604mg | Iron: 25mg

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