Berbere Spice Blend

4.9
(18)
15 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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6
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
48
Yield:
2 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 48 servings

  • 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.

43 home cooks made it!

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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