Berbere

Spice Mix

$11

Berbere [ ber-beray ] is a traditional coarsely ground African spice blend used in many different dishes.

Used for its complexity and versatility Berbere goes great on everything from simple roasted salmon to chicken kebabs to hearty grain salads. Use as a rub on meat before cooking or as a base for our Berbere paste recipe.

Berbere is a vibrant, peppery and tangy, made from whole spices that are toasted and ground, which produces maximum flavor, often compared to a mixture of BBQ, Southwestern and Curry flavors.

Berbere is a spicy chili blend, but its complex flavor isn’t bursting with heat. While not exactly mild, Berbere is mellowed by its sweet, citrusy flavors.

Use Berbere to flavor stews made with any combination of meat, vegetables or legumes. Spicy, sweet, and citrus notes come together to create a complex seasoning that adds flavor to everything from protein to fruit.

Berbere can also act as a meat rub before frying or grilling. When Berbere is combined with oil and red wine it makes a paste called awaze, which is served as a condiment at the table.

  • Berbere Paste Make this paste that will keep in the refrigerator for up to six months. Add a tablespoon or more to stews and casseroles for a hearty, spicy flavor. (Has more oomph than tomato paste!) .
      • 3 teaspoons Herbie's Berbere
      • 1 onion, chopped
      • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
      • 2 teaspoons salt
      • 3 Tablespoons red wine
      • sweet paprika
      • 1 teaspoon cayenne (or more)
      • water
    • Roast the Berbere spices in a hot, dry pan for one minute, then process to a paste with the onion, garlic, salt and wine.
    • Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper and cold water.
    • Cook over low-moderate heat, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes, until the onion is cooked. (Taste and add more salt or cayenne to taste.)
    • When cool, transfer paste to a screw-top jar and cover with a film of oil.

    • Berbere is the most popular spice for Ethiopian cooking (hot and spicy). It is a blend of red chili, garlic, salt and more; used to make Sega wot (beef stew), Doro wot (chicken stew), Kik wot (red lintel stew).

    Health Benefits

    Berbere seasoning has health benefits, which makes it essential in our diet. It contains various spices, each of which provides nutritious elements and helps treat ailments and keep us healthy.
    Botanical Name Spice Mix
    Common Names Berbere Ethiopian Seasoning
    Flavor Hot and spicy
    Contains Sea Salt, Cumin Seed, Coriander Seed, Black Peppercorns, Ajowan Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Allspice, Ginger, Chilli, Nutmeg, Cloves
    Application Use this coarsely ground African spice blend as a coating on meat before cooking or as a base for our Berbere paste recipe. Berbere is the most popular spice for Ethiopian cooking (hot and spicy). It is a blend of red chili, garlic, salt and more; used to make Sega wot (beef stew), Doro wot (chicken stew), Kik wot (red lintel stew).

    Berbere Onion Soup

    Berbere Onion Soup

    This is a North African version of French onion soup – enhanced with our fragrant spice blend Berbere, and given a hit of umami with porcini powder. You can vary the depth of flavor depending on the stock you use – beef at the richer end of the scale, and vegetable for a lighter soup.

    Grilled Beef Suya (African Spiced Beef Kabobs)

    Grilled Beef Suya (African Spiced Beef Kabobs)

    Suya is the single most popular Roast African spicy skewered beef – An irresistible dish originating from the Hausa people in Nigeria and Cameroon where they enjoy the heat and savory flavor. Our version makes a quick, easy and yummy dish.