Spice Rack: Berbere
Berbere adds a smoky savory note to our Faroe Island Salmon
Spice Up Your Kitchen: How Berbere Can Elevate Your Cooking
If you're a culinary adventurer always on the lookout for new flavors to explore, let me introduce you to Berbere (pronounced bare-bare-ay) —a vibrant, complex spice blend that I’ve been having a lot of fun with in the kitchen. Berbere is a symphony of flavors—spicy, sweet, earthy, and tangy all at once. It reminds me a lot of Garam Masala, a spice blend widely used in South Asian cuisine. Hailing from Ethiopia and Eritrea, Berbere is a cornerstone of East African cuisine, known for its bold, fiery, and aromatic profile. It typically includes a mix of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, among other spices. The exact recipe varies by region and family, but the result is always a warm, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor with a lingering heat. The deep red color of Berbere comes from the dried chilies, making it as visually striking as it is flavorful. It adds depth and dimension to dishes that a single spice simply can’t achieve. While it’s a staple in Ethiopian dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and misir wat (red lentil stew), Berbere can be used in a wide range of cuisines. We use in in our Faroe Island Salmon where it adds a smoky savory note to the carrot ginger puree. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, this versatile spice blend deserves a spot in your pantry. Let’s dive into what makes Berbere so special and how you can use it to elevate your dishes.
Ready to experiment with Berbere? Here are some creative ways to incorporate it into your meals. Berbere can be on the spicier side so start small with a teaspoon or so and adjust to your tastes.
Spice Rubs and Marinades: Berbere makes an incredible dry rub for meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. Mix it with a little olive oil to create a paste, let it marinate for a few hours, and then grill or roast for a flavor-packed main course.
Stews and Soups: Add a tablespoon or two of berbere to your next pot of soup or stew. It pairs beautifully with lentils, chickpeas, or even a hearty vegetable stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies—sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots—with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of berbere before roasting. The spice blend caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Eggs: Elevate your breakfast game by adding a pinch of berbere to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or shakshuka. The warmth of the spices complements the richness of the eggs perfectly.
Dips and Spreads: Stir berbere into hummus, yogurt, or tahini for a spicy, flavorful dip. Serve with pita bread or fresh veggies for a quick appetizer.
Popcorn or Nuts: For a unique snack, toss freshly popped popcorn or roasted nuts with melted butter and a dusting of berbere. It’s addictive!
Where to Find Berbere
You can find Berbere at specialty spice shops, international grocery stores, or online. They stock it at my local Whole Foods. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own blend at home by toasting and grinding whole spices. This allows you to customize the heat level and flavor to your liking.