Berbere (ethiopian)

1 cup

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1teaspoonGround cardamon
2teaspoonsCumin seeds
½teaspoonCoriander seeds
¼teaspoonGround cinnamon
½teaspoonBlack peppercorns
½teaspoonFenugreek seeds
1smallOnion; coarsely chopped
4Garlic cloves; peeled
1cupWater
14smallsDried hot red chilies such as piquins seeds and stems removed
1tablespoonCayenne
2tablespoonsPaprika
½teaspoonGround ginger
¼teaspoonGround allspice
¼teaspoonGround nutmeg
¼teaspoonGround cloves
3tablespoonsDry red wine
3tablespoonsVegetable oil

Directions

Toast the cardamon, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, peppercorns, and fenugreek seeds in a hot skillet, shaking constantly, for a couple of minutes, until they start to toast and gain aroma. Grind to a fine powder.

Combine the onion, garlic, and « cup of the water in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add the roasted spice powder, chilies, cayenne, paprika, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, and continue to blend. Slowly add the remaining « cup water, wine, and oil, and blend until smooth.

Serve sparingly as a condiment with grilled beef and poultry or add to soups and stews. Will keep for a couple of months, refrigerated.

A World of Curries by Dave DeWitt and Arthur Pais ISBN 0-316-18224-9 pg 181 Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 01-25-95