Ethiopian Spice Tea Food

BERBERE (ETHIOPIAN SPICE BLEND)

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet over high heat, toast the whole spices (seeds) and chilies, shaking the pan regularly to prevent scorching, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
• Grind the cooled spices in a spice or coffee grinder. Add all remaining ground spices and salt and grind everything together.
• Store in an airtight container in a dark place.

SHAAH CADAYS (SOMALI SPICED TEA WITH MILK)

Steps:

• Crush the ginger with the bottom of a heavy pot or the blunt edge of a knife and set aside. Place the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns in a mortar and crush with a pestle until coarsely ground (or crush on a countertop or on a cutting board with the bottom of a heavy pot). Transfer the spices to a medium saucepan set over medium heat and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ginger, water, tea, and sugar and increase the heat to high. Once bubbles form around the edge, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and let it cook for just 1 minute to warm the milk, then turn off the heat. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a teapot, pitcher, or straight into tea mugs. Serve immediately while hot and add more sugar to taste if you'd like.

ETHIOPIAN SPICE TEA

Steps:

• Stir all ground spices together in a small bowl.
• Bring water to a boil. Add 1/8 teaspoon spice mixture and ginger and simmer 4 minutes. Pour tea through a fine sieve lined with a coffee filter or paper towel in a cup.