Upgrade your meals with these flavorful spice blends
What's the story
African spice blends are a delicious way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. These blends are made from spices that are native to Africa and have been used for centuries for their health benefits. They not only make your food tastier but also add nutrients that can help improve your health. Here are five African spice blends that can add flavor and nutrition to your daily meals.
Ethiopian blend
Berbere: The Ethiopian flavor powerhouse
Berbere is a famous Ethiopian spice blend that packs a punch with its mix of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and other spices. This fiery blend is known for its antioxidant properties owing to the presence of chili peppers and garlic. Berbere can be used in stews, soups, or as a rub for vegetables before roasting them. Its rich flavor profile makes it a versatile addition to many dishes.
Moroccan blend
Ras el hanout: Moroccan spice mix
Ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice mix that typically contains over ten spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. This aromatic blend is famous for its complex flavor profile, which adds depth to tagines and couscous dishes. The turmeric in ras el hanout adds anti-inflammatory properties, while the cinnamon contributes to blood sugar regulation.
Nigerian blend
Suya spice: Nigerian grilled delight
Suya spice is a popular Nigerian seasoning mix used for grilling or barbecuing. It mainly consists of ground peanuts or sesame seeds with cayenne pepper and other spices like paprika and ginger. This blend not only gives a nutty flavor but also contains healthy fats from peanuts or sesame seeds, which are good for heart health.
Egyptian mix
Dukkah: Egyptian nutty blend
Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of nuts (usually hazelnuts or almonds), seeds (like sesame), herbs (such as thyme), salt, and spices (like cumin). It's often used as a dip with bread dipped in olive oil and then into dukkah. This crunchy mixture adds texture along with healthy fats from nuts and seeds, which promote brain function.
Ghanaian sauce
Shito: Ghanaian spicy condiment
Shito is a spicy Ghanaian condiment made from dried fish or shrimp with chili peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes cooked down into a paste. This paste is then preserved with oil, making it last longer than fresh ingredients alone would allow. Shito adds heat without overpowering other elements on your plate, thanks largely to its balanced seasoning technique.