Berbere - the spice of Ethiopia!
The great Ethiopian spice blend of chilies, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, cardamom, Fenugreek, cloves, paprika both sweet and smoked, ginger, Cinnamon and nutmeg is a complex and versatile spice mix that tastes amazing and is the base spice for several recipes. Great to have in the pantry!
Ethiopian Meatballs and Coucous
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Meatballs
Servings
3
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Ethiopian meatballs are a taste sensation.
Perfect for marinating all kinds of meat, adding to stews, burgers, meatballs even sprinkle on fresh pineapple as the natives do! This is one of my go to spice mixes and probably use it most months.
Simon
Ingredients
450g beef mince
1 egg
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 tsp Spice Pantry berbere Spice Blend. You can add more later if its not spicy enough.
- 400g passata sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Meatballs:
Sauce:
Directions
Let's Prep!
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Take all the ingredients for the meatballs and mix well in a bowl making sure it is combined (you can use your hands to make sure this is done). Don’t over work the minced beef, do just enough to get it all mixed up.
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Once combined form into 1-inch-wide balls and place about 1-inch apart onto an oiled baking sheet.
Let's Cook those meatballs
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Preheat your oven to 400°f/ 200°c/ 180°c fan/ Gas mark 6.
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Cook the meatballs for 20 minutes making sure you turn them halfway through, make sure they are fully cooked before removing.
Lets make the sauce.
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While the meatballs are cooking make the sauce, using a large saucepan add the oil and fry the onions for 5 minutes or until they are soft and golden.
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Add the Spice Pantry Berbere Spice Blend and the salt & pepper and fry with the onions for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Take off the heat so the spices don’t burn.
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Add your passata, tomato paste, and sugar then add to the heat again and bring to a simmer until your meatballs are ready.
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Once the meatballs are cooked add them to the sauce and continue to simmer for a further 5 minutes. Its ready.
Enjoy!
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Serve the meatballs and sauce over couscous, rice or even pasta! I like to add grated cheese to mine, feta works great!
