African-Inspired dontmissmyplate African-Inspired dontmissmyplate

Berbere Spice

This easy-to-make berbere spice blend adds depth and warmth to a wide range of dishes. Use it on roasted vegetables, in soups and stews, in my creamy Creole Berbere Sauce, or even in breakfast dishes like my Berbere-Spiced Cherry Chocolate Oats.

Berbere is a cornerstone of Ethiopian cuisine, but you don’t need to cook traditional dishes to enjoy it. Keep a batch on hand—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again..

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup paprika

  • 1/2 cup chili powder or ground New Mexico chilies

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom

  • 1 teaspoon coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder or fenugreek powder

Instructions

  1. Combine all the spices in a bowl.

  2. Store in an airtight glass container.

Use it liberally and adjust to taste. The beauty of homemade spice blends is you can make it your own!

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Berbere-Spiced Cherry Chocolate Oats

Oatmeal is the ultimate canvas for flavor, and this version takes it somewhere unexpected. Cherries add a bright, tart pop, cocoa gives deep, comforting richness, and a touch of berbere spice brings warm, gentle heat and earthy notes. Together, they create a sweet-and-spicy balance that’s playful, comforting, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Start with a small amount of berbere and adjust to taste, the heat blends beautifully with the chocolate and cherries as the oats cook. This recipe makes 2–3 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying over a couple of mornings.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

  • 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped

  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 3 teaspoons berbere spice (or more to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup oats

  • 3 cups plant-based milk

  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine oats and milk in a pot and bring to a gentle boil.

  2. Reduce heat and stir in the brown sugar, salt, and cherries.

  3. Add the berbere spice along with water, and simmer until oats are fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  5. Serve topped with extra cherries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup if you like.

Cook time: ~10 minutes.

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