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    Home » Cooking 101

    Homemade Berbere Spice Blend

    Published: May 1, 2017 · Modified: May 10, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 8 Comments

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    Authentic tasting Berbere Spice Blend can be easily made at home using spices you already have in your pantry. The flavor-bursting Berbere seasoning not only makes the best Ethiopian dishes, but you will want to sprinkle it on everything! 

    berbere spice blend in a spoon with other whole spices around

    What is Berbere Spice

    The Berbere spice mix recipe is made using chilies and whole spices. It is an essential seasoning in Ethiopian recipes. Berbere represents a blend of cultural and geographic influences from the spices of India to the chile peppers of the New World. It adds warmth and depth to fish, chicken, and stews. 

    When I first started making Ethiopian dishes at home, it was hard to find a good quality Berbere spice mix. An integral part of Ethiopian cuisine this spice blend not only adds heat to the food but flavor as well.  And I know from making homemade Garam Masala, how important it is to have good quality spices.

    So I researched and tried a few combinations of spices to get the same flavor profile I know from eating in Ethiopian restaurants. I was happy to develop a recipe using some of the spices I already had in my pantry. 

    Spices

    Here are the spices I use to make my version of the Berbere Spice Mix:

    • cayenne pepper
    • paprika 
    • black pepper
    • coriander seeds
    • fenugreek seeds
    • dry ginger
    • cardamom
    • nutmeg
    • allspice
    • cloves

    I love adding Berbere spice to burgers, soups, tacos, or in dips with olive oil and lemon juice. I've even sprinkled it over sweet chunks of pineapple or watermelon for a fiery kick!

    Check out my Spicy lentil stew {Misir Wot} and Spicy Chicken Stew {Doro Wat} recipes using homemade berbere spice blend.

    I truly believe that nothing beats the taste of homemade spice mixes. They add authentic flavors and aromas and also last longer than store-bought varieties.

    More homemade spice mixes

    • Easy Garam Masala 
    • Mom's Authentic Garam Masala 
    • Chana Masala Spice Blend

    Also, check out this article on the essential Indian Spices that include my favorite spices I like to stock up on! 

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
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    4.80 from 10 votes

    Berbere Spice Blend

    Ethiopian spice mix
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time2 mins
    Total Time7 mins
    Course: Spice Blend
    Cuisine: Ethiopian
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 97kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
    • 5 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon whole coriander
    • 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

    Instructions

    • Lightly roast coriander seeds and fenugreek seeds. Allow to cool and then grind.
    • Mix with rest of the spices and keep in an airtight container.
    • Makes about 4 tablespoon of spice mix.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 429mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 9085IU | Vitamin C: 7.7mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 5.2mg
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    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso says

      May 01, 2017 at 5:33 pm

      I usually buy ready mixed Berbere and love it. But I'm sure your mix is so much fresher and better. 🙂

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 01, 2017 at 6:53 pm

        Thank you Ronit! Love to use it on many dishes, it is so flavorful and spicy!

        Reply
    2. Sam says

      March 17, 2020 at 2:20 am

      Awesome article!! Berber is also not only native to Ethiopian cooking but it is also an Eritrean staple FYI. I believe it’s important to impart all knowledge:)

      Reply
    3. Kim McKay says

      December 28, 2020 at 10:10 pm

      Really delicious and super simple to make. We did cut back the berbere spice to about 1/4 cup and it worked fine. (We ran out..) Served this along with rice and a dish of green beans and shaved carrots with a little bit of curry. Superb!5 stars

      Reply
      • Kim McKay says

        December 28, 2020 at 10:12 pm

        Oops - this was supposed to be my review for Doro Wat. The Berbere spice blend is also fabulous. We knocked the cayenne down to about 2/3 for our household palate, and it is plenty warm. We use Penzey's cayenne and find it to be a bit warmer than grocery store cayenne.5 stars

        Reply
    4. Naomi says

      April 02, 2021 at 10:22 am

      I've been searching for a berbere spice recipe that included all the ingredients in a small package I purchased once and loved so much - it is apparently discontinued now. Finally I found this recipe and it does include all those spices and more. The one I had didn't have the paprika, cardamom and nutmeg, but I'd love to try it with those also. Thanks so much for sharing this.

      Reply
    5. Kristen says

      April 09, 2021 at 8:46 pm

      Is the cardamom green or black? My recipe to make niter kibbeh calls for black cardamom pods, so that is what I have on hand. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 13, 2021 at 9:39 am

        I use green cardamom for this recipe.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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