African Spice Blends

African Spice Blends

Berbere


Crossroad of different civilizations

Considered as one of the most diversified and sumptuous food, Moroccan cuisine offers a delightful experience. There primary reason contributed to the diverse Moroccan food is it's interaction with the outside world for centuries. Food in Morocco has blended different cuisines from different cultures like Moorish, Arab, Middle Eastern, Berber, Jewish, Iberian and Mediterranean African.

Over different historical eras and centuries the Moroccan cuisine was refined by the highly capable cooks of the royal kitchens in Meknes, Fez, Marrakech, Tetouan and Rabat. This refined cuisine laid the base for the modern Moroccan cuisine.

History of Moroccan Cuisine

Morocco has been at the crossroad of different civilizations, which has greatly influenced Moroccan food. Today you will even find some of the best Moroccan recipes over the internet but the truth is that nothing tastes like the Moroccan spices.

It is said that the history of Morocco can be seen reflected in their cuisine. There has been different settlements in Morocco, which has led to creation of a blended cuisine that has many different flavors. There was a time when political refugees came all the way from Baghdad, Iraq during the Middle Ages to settle in Morocco. They brought with them the traditional recipes, which have since become a part of the traditional Moroccan cuisine. One of the signature characteristics of this blend is the recipe where fruit is cooked with meat like apricots with chicken.

Moroccan food has also been influenced greatly by Morisco or the Muslim refugees who were thrown out of Spain preceding the Spanish inquisition. An important part of Moroccan cuisine is the ingredients used. Since Morocco produces Mediterranean vegetables and fruits, they are used in the preparation of different Moroccan recipes. Poultry, cattle and fish is also in abundance in Morocco and hence they have become an integral part of the country's cuisine.

Moroccan Spices

Food in Morocco can't do without the Moroccan spices. One of the biggest markets in Morocco for spices is at Agadir and you can find spices in different colors and for rendering a different taste. These spices are used in all Moroccan recipes and render a taste that will remain with you for a lifetime. The Moroccan spices have not existed in the country always, they were initially imported from other countries over thousands of years.

Some of the popular Moroccan spices include saffron that came from Tiliouine, olive and mint came from Meknes, while lemons and oranges came from Fez. Some of the common spices were also home grown like kamoun (cumin), karfa (cinnamon), kharkoum (tumeric), libzar (pepper) , skingbir (ginger), tahmira (paprika), sesame seed, anis seed, kasbour (coriander), zaafrane beldi (saffron) and maadnous (parsley).

The Great Moroccan Meal

You have to really taste the tanginess and the spicy flavors of the Moroccan cuisine to understand why it is so popular across the world. The most important part of the Moroccan cuisine is the midday meal, which is not consumed in the holy month of Ramadan. A Moroccan mid day meal will start with hot and cold salads, and will be followed by tagine. Bread is the staple food of every mid day meal. This is followed by chicken or lamb dish and then a dish of couscous topped with vegetable and meat. At the end of the meal, you will get to drink a cup of sweet mint tea, which is a part of their tradition.

Couscous is the main Moroccan dish and is considered to have been of Berber origin. The most commonly consumed form of meat is beef although lamb is also preferred but costs more than beef. There is also a growing importance of seafood and is slowly becoming an important part of Moroccan cuisine.

Some of the popular as well as famous Moroccan food recipes include Pastilla, Couscous, Tajine, Harira and Tanjia. Although Harira is a soup, but it is an important part of the Moroccan cuisine and is consumed mostly during the holy months of Ramadan.

Where you have rich food laced with Moroccan spices, you will definitely have Desserts. Desserts in Morocco don't necessarily have to be sweet although the sweeter it is, the better it will be. One of the common desserts is the kaab el ghzal or gazelle's horns. Of course that's just a name and you won't get to eat any horns. Kaab el ghzal is a type of pastry with sugar toppings and is stuffed with almond paste. Honey cakes are extremely popular too and they are prepared by deep frying dough and dipping them in hot honey and finally sesame seeds are sprinkled on the top.

Moroccan cuisine has a lot of variety and also include drinks (Mint Tea) and snacks apart from their mid day meal and to feel the real flavor of spice, you will have to taste their traditional food.

Nirmala's Kitchen Spice Blend, South African Peri-Peri Blend, 1.6-Ounce Unit (Pack of 3)
Nirmala's Kitchen Spice Blend, South African Peri-Peri Blend, 1.6-Ounce Unit (Pack of 3)
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Description

Bring home the exotic. Sprinkle on pizza or use to make wonderful flavored oils.

Herbs & Spices: The Cook's Reference
Herbs & Spices: The Cook's Reference
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The first illustrated guide to cover the whole spectrum of herbs and spices for culinary use. Herbs & Spices is an indispensable reference that shows how to prepare fresh and dried herbs, how to use herbs and spices in cooking, and details everything that other books on the subject leave out. Containing a unique collection of recipes, from herb and spice mixes to rubs, pastes, salsas, and marinades, these authentic formulas will encourage cooks to think creatively and experiment on their own. Grouped by aroma and taste, with step-by-step preparation techniques and beautiful full-color photography, this book describes 60 herbs and the benefits of using them fresh or dried, and focuses on 60 spices from around the world, with a look at the early spice trade and how cross-cultural fusion has impacted on contemporary cooking.

Features

  • ISBN13: 9780789489395
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Berbere Spice 2.0 oz by Zamouri Spices
Berbere Spice 2.0 oz by Zamouri Spices
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Description

Zamouri Spices Berbere is an Ethiopian blend of spices that may be added to anything from baked fish dishes to chicken stews.

Features

  • Authentic Ethiopian blend
  • Excellent for Doro Wat
  • 100% All Natural
Ajika Garam Masala Whole Blend - Indian, African, Middle Eastern Spice
Ajika Garam Masala Whole Blend - Indian, African, Middle Eastern Spice
Sale Price: $6.50
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Description

Ajika creates foods that are good for you, subscribe to the slow food movement. Ajika strongly believes in natural foods, seasonal cooking, organic, pesticide- and hormone-free foods. Ajika is influenced by the east Indian system of Ayurveda that combines mindful eating with joy and using the gifts of the earth to create Nirvana (bliss) in life. Ajika is mainly a pantry product line. Our products are to be combined with fresh fruits and vegetables in season, fresh fish, soy milk, wild game and free range eggs without added hormones. Ajika is based on common sense nutrition and is for people who persue a vital lifestyle. For detailed information on this product, recipe and comments please refer to the ajika website.

Features

  • All natural ingredients No added salt No MSG No preservatives No trans-fats
  • Gluten Free
  • For recipes, product information please contact Ajika at 952-593-3024
  • Save money with combined shipping by ordering several items from EthnicFoodsCo
  • Ajika is a family owned business based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
CuisineMentor African Piri-Piri Gourmet Spice Blend with Turmeric. Gluten Free. Memorable Party Dish!
CuisineMentor African Piri-Piri Gourmet Spice Blend with Turmeric. Gluten Free. Memorable Party Dish!
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Piri-Piri, the African word for chili pepper, has its culinary roots in Mozambique. Portuguese explorers brought American chili pepper to Africa and a delicious pepper sauce evolved to become a staple throughout Africa. Use it as a marinade or sauce. Make it with our Piri-Piri Spice Blend. You will need to add olive oil, additional hot peppers, cilantro and garlic. Piri-Piri is very spice and hot, but also very flavorful. It can be prepared well in advance. Piri-Piri is outstanding on vegetables and shrimp, chicken and other seafood. Use it for baking, grilling and is best in charcoal barbecuing. No artificial colorings, preservatives, additives or MSG. Twin Pack, 2oz.

Features

  • Hot but very flavorful.
  • Traditional, outstanding Mozambique recipe enclosed for shrimp and vegetables. See additional photos.
  • Great for grilling, baking, barbeque.
  • Unusual gift for the heat lover.
  • Use on chicken, meat, seafood and vegetables.
CuisineMentor Gourmet Spice Blend Sampler. Gluten Free. In Lovely Organza Bag. Great Gift! Outstanding Ethnic Recipes Included: Moroccan, Native American, Mediterranean, Indian, African Cuisines. Vegetarian Recipes Available.
CuisineMentor Gourmet Spice Blend Sampler. Gluten Free. In Lovely Organza Bag. Great Gift! Outstanding Ethnic Recipes Included: Moroccan, Native American, Mediterranean, Indian, African Cuisines. Vegetarian Recipes Available.
List Price: $22.00
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Description

A wonderful gift of Spice. Travel the world cuisines with the CuisineMentor Gourmet Spice Blend Sampler. Five favorites in single packs: Moroccan Chicken, Native American Three Sisters Stew, Mediterranean Grill, African Piri-Piri and Indian Tandoori. Each blend is packaged in a beautiful heavy stock label with a very easy, outstanding recipe on back. Final packaging is in a lovely reuseable organza bag. Bags vary in color and style. We'll select a beautiful one for your gift. Add your special message making this a perfect Gift for any occasion! Hostess Gift, Thank You, Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day..... See each individual CuisineMentor Spice Blend for a more detailed description.

Features

  • Beautiful Spice Gift in reuseable organza bag!!
  • All Natural. No additives, fillers or MSG. Also gluten free.
  • Five of the most popular CuisineMentor Gourmet Spice Blends.
  • Including Moroccan Chicken, Native American Three Sisters Stew, Mediterranean Grill, African Piri-Piri and Indian Tandoori.
  • Outstanding recipes included. Email us for vegetarian versions.
Ajika Ras El Hanout - African Cooking Spice Blend and Rub
Ajika Ras El Hanout - African Cooking Spice Blend and Rub
Sale Price: $6.50
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Description

Ras El Hanout translates to best of the shop. Our blend is a complex blend of many spices artfully concocted to yield a smooth velvety, warm flavor. Ras El Hanout is used in Mrouziya, the Moroccan honey-spiced lamb. For meat rubs and marinades use 2 Tbsp per lb of meat. Mix with olive oil to marinate chicken and lamb; or with flour as a delicious coating for chicken or fish. Add to rice, couscous, soups, tajines and stews.

Features

  • Salt free, no MSG, all natural, pure spices hand blended in small batches in Minneapolis, MN.
  • Add pure, delicious flavor and zest to your cooking naturally.
  • Authentic global taste that celebrates and enhances fresh ingredients.
  • Our blends are not spicy. Add your own chilies if you like hot foods.
  • Over 600 blends, seasonings, mixes, meals, organic spices & gifts. Call 952-593-3000 for more info.
Ras El Hanout 4.0 Oz By Zamouri Spices
Ras El Hanout 4.0 Oz By Zamouri Spices
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Description

Zamouri Spices - Ras el Hanout - as featured in O, The Oprah Magazine.This is NOT a simple version of Ras el Hanout found in cookbooks; this is AUTHENTIC!In Moroccan language, Ras el Hanout literally means head of the store or the best spice mixture a merchant has to offer.(also known as ras al hanout or ras el hanouth, raz al hanout or Moroccan Seasoning)Ras el Hanout is a spice blend that Zamouri Spices is proud to present as its best and most unique mix that any adventurous palate would love to experience. The secret of this mix and its recipe is passed down through generations. Native to Morocco, every spice vendor in the region has its own recipe. Zamouri's, too, has its original blend used only in the remote region of Zamour (North Africa Atlas Mountains) for a thousand years.Ingredients from over 30 different herbs and spices include:Grains of Paradise, Lavender, turmeric, ajawan seeds, kalajeera, ginger, galangal, oris root, rose buds, monk's pepper, cinnamon and more!

Features

  • Authentic, Traditional Seasoning from Morocco
  • Unique Family Blend from Zamouri region of Morocco
  • Perfect for Tagine and Couscous Recipes
  • Over 35 herbs and spices - an aromatic bouquet of flavor
  • A Must-Have for Moroccan Cuisine
India Tree Ethiopian Berbere, 1.0-Ounce Unit (Pack of 4)
India Tree Ethiopian Berbere, 1.0-Ounce Unit (Pack of 4)
List Price: $27.11
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You save: $8.05 (30%)
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Description

Berbere is a complex blend of spices in traditional Ethiopian stews called wats and as a coating for foods to be fried.

Features

  • Berbere is a complex blend of spices used in traditional Ethiopian stews called wats and as a coating for foods to be fried
  • Store India Tree Ethiopian Berbere in a cool, dark place or refrigerate
  • Only the finest quality herbs and spices were used in creating this classic blend from a traditional recipe
  • India Tree Ethiopian Berbere is a blend of premium cumin, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, allspice, fenugreek, shallots, chiles, ginger, turmeric, and bishop's weed
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 spices online

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