The Seriously Underrated Spice Mix That Belongs In Your Burger Meat - Tasting Table

"Berbere, what Chef Marcus Samuelsson has claimed to be his secret weapon, is a spice blend from Africa. With origins dating to the 5th century, this is a time-tested amplifier of recipes that brings a complex, aromatic blend of chili, garlic, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, coriander, and cinnamon into dishes."

"With earthy notes from cumin and fenugreek coupled with warming layers of cinnamon and cardamom, this spice blend complements meat cooked on the grill. Though the exact ingredients used to make berbere can vary from cook to cook, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers mixed into ground beef are sure to turn up the flavor volume on patties destined for toasted hamburger buns."

"Since berbere can be pungent, begin to add the spice mix conservatively to recipes. Estimate one or two teaspoons per pound of ground beef. This spice can play equally well with lamb and turkey burgers and bring bold flavor to veggie burger recipes."

Berbere is a time-tested African spice blend originating from the 5th century that serves as an excellent seasoning for burger meat. This vividly red seasoning combines chili, garlic, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, coriander, and cinnamon to create a complex, aromatic profile with smoky and earthy depth. The blend complements grilled meat particularly well due to earthy notes from cumin and fenugreek paired with warming layers of cinnamon and cardamom. When using berbere, start conservatively with one to two teaspoons per pound of ground beef. The spice works equally well with lamb, turkey, and veggie burgers. To balance the heat, top berbere burgers with cooling ingredients like tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, or avocado.

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