Berbere Red Pepper Spice Mixture Recipes

BERBERE (RED PEPPER SPICE MIXTURE)

Steps:

• 1. Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
• 2. Store mixture in an airtight container.

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.

ERITREAN BERBERE (RED PEPPER SPICE MIXTURE)

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
• Store mixture in an airtight container.

BERBERé (SPICY RED PEPPER PASTE)

Steps:

• Toast ginger, cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and allspice in a heavy skillet for one to two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let spices cool.
• Combine toasted spices, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon of salt and the wine in a food processor or blender and process until mixture is a smooth paste. You can also pound mixture together in a large mortar & pestle.
• Combine paprika`s, red pepper, black pepper and the other tablespoon of salt in the heavy skillet. Toast over low heat one minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir water into skillet slowly. Add the spice paste. Cook, stirring vigorously, over low heat for about 10 minutes.
• Store berberé in a jar or crock. After it has cooled to room temperature, cover with a thin layer of oil. This layer should be replenished after each use to help preserve the spice mixture. Store in refrigerator.

BERBERE

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet over medium heat, toast the dried spices for a few minutes - stirring or shaking the skillet continuously to avoid scorching.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• If making dry berbere powder: grind the mixture in a spice grinder or blender, or use a mortar and pestle.
• Store the berbere powder in a tightly-sealed container.
• If making a berbere paste: combine the toasted spices with the fresh ginger, onions or shallots, garlic, and oil (water, or wine).
• Grind together in a blender or with a mortar and pestle.
• Store the berbere paste in a tightly-sealed container.