Brain-Boosting Berbere African Spice Blend

Berebere spice mix has been used in Africa in one form or another for many years. It originated in Ethiopia and/or Eritrea. It most commonly contains a mild to hot mix of chili peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. More authentic blends will include korarima, an Ethiopian cardamom instead of the Indian variety, along with nigella seeds and ajwain, another type of seed. I use this robust spice mix to flavor stir-fries, soups and stews. It packs some (but not too much) heat.

Benefits: Fenugreek has choline which may support healthy brain function and memory. Chilies and paprika are full of vitamin C which may reduce your risk of stroke. Garlic has allicin which also may reduce stroke risk. Coriander seeds have magnesium which helps increase GABA to support a good mood. Cumin has safranal, an antioxidant that may have anti-depressant properties.

Yields about 1¼ cups

Ingredients

½ tsp. ground fenugreek

½ cup ground Mexican chilies

¼ cup Hungarian or Spanish paprika

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. ground black pepper

½ tsp. ground coriander

½ tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

½ tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground allspice

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place.