For vegans: Add these spices to your cooking
What's the story
Known for its rich flavors, African cuisine also has a variety of spices that play a crucial role in enhancing plant-based stews. Here, we explore five timeless African spices that can elevate such dishes, giving you an unforgettable culinary experience. Each spice lends its own character, making the stew not just tastier but also fragrant and appetizing.
Spice 1
The warmth of berbere
Berbere is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine known for its warm, spicy flavor profile. It typically includes a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and other spices. This complex mix adds depth to plant-based stews with its slightly sweet yet fiery kick. Berbere's versatility allows it to complement various vegetables and legumes, making it an essential addition to any stew aiming for robust flavor.
Spice 2
Aromatic allure of Ras el Hanout
Ras el Hanout is a North African spice blend that literally means "head of the shop," i.e. the best spices available. It usually has cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, dry ginger, chili peppers or paprika. The aromatic blend gives plant-based stews layers of flavor, sweet to savory. Its complexity elevates vegetables' natural taste with an exotic touch.
Spice 3
Earthy flavor of grains of paradise
Native to West Africa, grains of paradise provide an earthy, pepper-like taste with citrus and cardamom notes. They are less pungent than black pepper but give a similar warmth without dominating other components of the stew. Their understated heat makes them perfect for deepening flavors without making them overbearingly vegetable-y.
Spice 4
Nutty notes from egusi seeds
Egusi seeds are famous in West African cuisine for their nutty flavor and thickening quality. When powdered or made into a paste, they are added into soups or stews like egusi soup. They give richness while enhancing texture by making a creamy base within dishes like pumpkin leaf soup (ugu). Their mild nuttiness goes hand in hand with various veggies.
Spice 5
Zesty kick from harissa paste
Harissa paste, which comes from Tunisia, is popularly used throughout North Africa as a condiment and seasoning. It is made from roasted red peppers, garlic, coriander, caraway seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This zesty mix brings a beautiful color and life to every plate it touches. It is perfect for those who want boldness and zest in their dishes, particularly with legumes and root vegetables.