Herbs Commonly Used in Ethiopian Cuisine

By Cherry Crawford July 7, 2023 17 mins read 166 Views

In Ethiopian cuisine, a variety of herbs are commonly used to enhance the flavor of dishes. Some of the most common herbs include ginger, turmeric, paprika, korerima, koseret, besobela and fenugreek seeds.

The most iconic spice in Ethiopian cuisine is berbere, which is a blend of chili peppers, fenugreek, ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice and cinnamon. It can be used in everything from stews to stir-fries!

Berbere

Berbere is a spicy, bold mix that is central to Ethiopian cuisine. This spice blend is a staple in every Ethiopian kitchen and can be used to flavour a variety of dishes, including stews, sauces, and legume dishes.

Berbere can also be used to season meats, especially chicken and beef. This can be done by rubbing it on meats before grilling or roasting them.

While it can be made from ground spices, it is best to make a traditional berbere using whole spices, which will produce the most intense flavors.

A combination of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, korarima, ajwain or radhuni, nigella, rue and cinnamon is used to make this spicy, hot blend that can be used as a dry rub for meats. You can also use berbere to add flavor to barbecue sauces and Southwestern steak rubs.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ethiopian cuisine. It is used in a number of dishes including kik alicha (yellow split peas), berbere, and niter kibbeh.

It is often added to dishes as a flavor enhancer and it is also a good digestive aid. It stimulates bile production in the liver and encourages the excretion of bile through the gallbladder, thereby helping the body digest fats.

It is a common ingredient in curry powder and ras el hanout, which are both spice blends. It is also a popular addition to soups, stews, and other vegetable based meals.

Niter Kibbeh

Niter Kibbeh (pronounced niter-qibe) is clarified butter, similar to Indian ghee, that is simmered with a variety of spices and herbs. It is a very common ingredient in Ethiopian cooking and is used for frying and adding flavor to many savory dishes.

It is also used to flavor rice and other grains, or as a base for sauces. It can also be used as a marinade.

The resulting niter kibbeh can be stored for up to three months in the refrigerator. It is also great for drizzling over vegetables and grilled meats.

The ingredients for niter kibbeh include a variety of herbs and spices, including fenugreek seeds, koseret or an Ethiopian form of oregano, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger. It can also include besobela, which is Ethiopian sacred basil.

Mekelesha

Mekelesha is a special blend of seven spices that is sprinkled on stews just before they are eaten to add a lovely aroma and flavor. It is used in all red wot (stew) dishes and can be a great way to add a unique Ethiopian flair to your cooking.

Mekelesha contains the spices korerima, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon and timiz. It is made by toasting the spices and then grinding them together into a fine powder.

The spice blend is a very common part of the Ethiopian cuisine and can be purchased at many Ethiopian markets or via mail order businesses.

The Ethiopians are very particular about the flavors of their dishes and the herbs they use. This makes the food unique and very tasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.

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How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.