Spice Paste (Berbere)

Charlotte J's Note:

Ethiopia Beef Stewed in Red Pepper Paste recipe calls for this blend of spice paste.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 batch

• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups paprika
• 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups water

Directions:

1. In a cast-iron skillet, toast the ginger, cardamom, coriander, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice over low heat.
2. Do not burn, this should only take a minute or so.
3. Set aside to cool.
4. Combine the spices, onions, garlic, 1 tablespoon of the salt, and 3 tablespoons water in a small jar of a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of salt in the skillet and toast over low heat for a minute or so.
6. Stir in the water, 1/4 cup at a time.
7. Then stir in the blended mixture.
8. Stirring vigorously, cook over the lowest possible heat for 10-15 minutes.
9. Transfer the berbere to a jar, packing it in tightly.
10. Let the paste cook to room temperature, then cover with a film of oil.
11. Store in the refrigerator between use.

Reviews

[Crafty Lady 13]

I halved this recipe. I loved the way the spices smelled as they were being toasted. I followed the recipe as written, except that I didn't have fenugreek. The end result was a nice paste mixture with a kick. A lot of great flavors going on in this wonderful recipe. I will be using this often to add flavors to my soups and sauces. Made for ZWT4.

[sassafrasnanc]

I could almost write word for word what mama's kitchen wrote!! Ha! I too made 1/4 the recipe. Good thing I have an expansive spice collection! I made this for Beef Stewed in Red Pepper Paste while visiting Africa with my Babes on the ZWT4.

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

Smells divine! Made a 1/4 portion for *ZWT* and now I want more! We are having fun learning all about the cuisine of Africa! Thought I did not like this type of food but I am finding lots of things that are just delicious! I sub'd whole spices here for the coriander and nutmeg as that is what I had. Thanks Charlotte!