Berbere is a chili blend with a warm-spice structure underneath, and the two spices that make it unmistakable are fenugreek and ajwain. Both are slightly bitter and both are usually the ones missing from approximations. Korarima, Ethiopian cardamom, is the third if you can source it; green cardamom stands in acceptably.
The ratio½ cup chili powder + 1 tbsp each fenugreek, coriander, paprika + 1 tsp each ajwain, cardamom, clove.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep12 min
Cook4 min
Makes1 cup
CuisineEthiopian
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1cup
Dried red chili
Half a cup ground. Mild Kashmiri-style keeps the colour without making it inedible.
Toast the whole seedsFenugreek, coriander, ajwain, cardamom and clove in a dry pan two to three minutes. Fenugreek turns bitter if it goes past golden, so watch it.
Cool and grindCompletely, then fine.
Stir in the ground spicesChili, paprika, ginger and salt combined with the freshly ground seeds.
Bloom in fat, or in niter kibbehTraditionally cooked into spiced clarified butter. Even in plain oil, thirty seconds of blooming transforms it.
Make it yoursMitmita is the hotter, simpler cousin. Made into a paste with wine and garlic it becomes awaze. Doro wat and misir wat are the dishes to point it at.
Can you make How to Make Berbere in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze How to Make Berbere? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Berbere ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is How to Make Berbere gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Berbere vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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