Berbere Spice Blend

4.9
(16)
13 Reviews
6 Photos

I love berbere spice, a classic Ethiopian spice blend, but it never occurred to me to make my own. Actually, traditional berbere spice would use whole spice seeds/pods that get toasted and ground, but I usually toast the spices during the cooking process. Berbere is one of the most delicious and versatile spice mixes ever.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on February 12, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
48
Yield:
2 cups
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ground dried New Mexico chiles

  • ¼ cup paprika

  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

  • 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice

  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    All ingredients/spices in bowls measured out

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place ground chiles, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a bowl; stir. Add onion powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, fenugreek, garlic powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Gently whisk together until thoroughly mixed.

    All spices have been whisked together in a bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Store in an airtight container, preferably glass.

    close up on a spoonful of berbere spice blend with a bowl full underneath
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Chef's Note

One of my favorite ways to use berbere spices is in this Spiced Chicken Breasts recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

3 Calories
0g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 48
Calories 3
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 20mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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