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Culture: A World of Flavors – Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix
The Ethiopian spice mix called Berbere (pronounced ber-beray) is a fiery spice blend that is a key ingredient in much of Ethiopian cuisine. It is a combination of 14 different flavorful and earthy spices. Rub this spice mix on meats, liberally season stews and add a dash to grains and lentils. Serve with the spongy flatbread, injera, for a delicious, memorable Ethiopian meal. Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Recipe 3/4t ground cardamom 1t ground cumin 1/4t ground cinnamon 1t ground tumeric 1/2t ground fenugreek 1/4t ground nutmeg 1/4t ground all spice 1 1/2t ground coriander 1/2t ground ginger 1/2t ground cloves 1t black pepper 1t salt 2T cayenne pepper 3T paprika…
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Culture: A World of Flavors – Brazilian Tempero Baiano Spice Mix
Brazil’s rich and varied cuisine is a reflection of its native and immigrant population and long history of colonialism and slavery. Many European nations including Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and France at one point colonized a portion of Brazil. Slavery became such a huge business, that by 1888, almost 40% of all the African slaves brought to the new world were in Brazil. The indigenous people of Brazil had many trials and tribulations as well. Nearly faced with extinction from new diseases brought over from Europe, they were also enslaved with the Africans under colonial leaders. This mixture of cultures and people from Europe and Africa influenced the flavors of Brazil’s delicious cuisine. One of…
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Culture: A World of Flavors – Irish Pickling Spice Mix Recipe
The art of pickling foods has been around for over 4000 years. The process has been instrumental in history by providing a way to preserve foods for longer periods of time yet also gives rich flavors to otherwise common foods. This cooking method allows for meats and/or vegetables to be eaten on long journeys. This was especially common during sea exploring days and/or times of war. During both World Wars, corned (or salted) beef that was then pickled was very popular because of both meat rationing and long months at sea. Corned Beef made in Ireland was heavily traded from the 1600’s through the 1800’s. It was a high priced exported commodity that ironically not…
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Culture: A World of Flavors – Moroccan Spice Mix
From the pungent odor of the leather tannery, to a serene mosque decorated with intricate tile work, wandering through the old medina in Fes was a feast for my senses. My trip to Morocco was a whirlwind, but I will never forget the experiences I had that day while exploring this historic area of the city. We dutifully visited a rug shop, and watched leather be dropped into antiquated vats of dye. I peaked into shops and was decorated with a gorgeous henna design on my hand. But like most experiences while traveling, it was the flavorful lunch that is etched so vividly in my mind. After we dined on an aromatic tajine, I…
