Berbere: Interesting Facts About The Spice

The spice Berbere comes from Ethiopia, where every family has its own mixture because Berbere does not always taste the same. Nevertheless, there are some basic ingredients and instructions on how to prepare the spice mixture.

Berbere: Information about the Ethiopian spice

Berbere is a blend of spices.

• The main ingredients of the mixture are chili, ginger, garlic, allspice, clove, and coriander.
• This spice mixture comes from Ethiopia and is prepared individually in each family, which is why it varies.
• Berbere tastes hot and is used in particular for the Doro Wat dish. Here, chicken pieces are served in a spicy sauce, which is eaten with injera, a millet flatbread.

Prepare the spice mixture yourself

If you have made or bought Berbere yourself, you should make sure that it is stored in a cool, dry place away from light.

1. To make your own, coarsely grind 2 tsp each of peppercorns, allspice seeds, cumin, coriander, fenugreek seeds, and 0.5 tsp cloves in a mortar.
2. Then add some nutmeg, 0.5 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tsp chili powder.
3. Put everything in a coated pan and toast over medium heat for two minutes without fat, stirring constantly.
4. Add 1 tsp ginger powder and garlic and roast for another ten minutes.
5. Store the spice mixture in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for about four months.