Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eritrean Berbere Spice Blend?
Eritrean Berbere is a vibrant and aromatic spice mixture essential to Eritrean and broader Ethiopian cuisine, used for seasoning various dishes.
What are the primary ingredients in this Berbere recipe?
The blend consists of ground red chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, ground cumin, ground fenugreek, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper.
Is this a simplified Berbere recipe?
Yes, this version is simplified because it requires no grinding of whole spices and uses readily available dry ground spices.
How many calories are in this spice blend?
The recipe contains 400 calories for the total batch specified.
What is the fat content of the spice mix?
The blend contains 10g of fat.
How much protein is in this spice mixture?
There are 6.67g of protein in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate count for this blend?
The mixture contains 66.67g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does the Berbere spice blend provide?
It provides 13.33g of dietary fiber.
Does this Berbere spice blend contain sugar or cholesterol?
No, the recipe lists sugar and cholesterol as null.
How many different ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 11 unique dry ingredients in this spice blend.
What is da'lik?
Da'lik is a flavorful paste created by combining the Berbere powder with oil.
What foods can I season with Berbere?
It is ideal for seasoning meat, vegetables, or legumes, and enhances stews, sauces, and marinades.
How do I prepare the spice blend?
Simply combine all ground ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until uniform in color.
How should I store the Berbere spice blend?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness, flavor, and aroma.
What is the main spice in this blend?
Ground red chili pepper is the base, requiring 2 cups for this recipe.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic or onion?
No, it uses garlic powder and onion powder for convenience and shelf stability.
Is salt included in the spice mix?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of salt.
What type of chili is used?
The recipe specifies ground red chili pepper in a dried preparation.
Can I use this for Ethiopian cuisine?
Yes, Berbere is a staple in both Eritrean and Ethiopian culinary traditions.
How much Garlic Powder is required?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of garlic powder.
How much Ground Ginger is used?
2 tablespoons of ground ginger are included in the blend.
Is fenugreek used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of ground fenugreek are included.
What gives the blend its warm undertones?
Spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom provide the warm, complex flavor profile.
What tools do I need to make this?
You only need a large mixing bowl and a whisk or wooden spoon.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it avoids the complex process of toasting and grinding whole seeds.
How much Ground Cloves should I add?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ground cloves.
What is the amount of Ground Cardamom?
You should use 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
Is black pepper included?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper is added to the mix.
How much Ground Cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
Can I use Berbere as a marinade?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being excellent for use in marinades when mixed with other liquids or oil.