Brundo Market Imported Ethiopian Berber Chili Pepper Blend (2 oz) | Authentic Berbere & All Natural East African Seasoning | NON-GMO | No Preservatives | Made and Imported from Ethiopia | x:li> (2oz)

Excellent aroma and taste

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I was watching an episode of Ina Garten's show "Be My Guest" with Marcus Samuelsson as her guest. As I watched him prepare the dish he was making for Ina, he used a spice blend that he referred to a Berbere. He said Berbere was an essential ingredient in North African cuisine and that, like curry powder, each kitchen had its own blend. He used a jarred Berbere but the camera did not show the name of the brand. I captured the photo of the part they did show and then went in search of it on Amazon, where it seems one can find all manner of unusual spices. I was able to recognize the label and it turned out to be this Brundo brand. Because Fetelwork Tefferi, chef-owner of Cafe Colucchi in Oakland, CA, couldn't source what she needed in America, she established a production facility in Ethiopia that produces the Berbere blend she uses in the restaurant and markets. The bottle I ordered arrived today, so I haven't been able to use it in any dishes yet. Per Samuelsson, he uses it in "everything," so I am thinking I can use it in my breakfast scrambled eggs, chili, meatloaf, etc. I tasted a bit of the raw power on my finger. Even raw, I can tell it's going to add a special something to the dishes I try it in. Can't wait to try it out.

I didn't buy this for any reason other than I like new flavors. I have no idea what it's supposed to taste like as I bought it on a whim, but I love it. It's pretty strong flavor with a mild sweetness with a little bit of heat. I didn't have a recipe in mind or anything I just tried it out on plain stuff like a slice of cheese or white rice and it's great. Next check will be fries, this tastes like it will be a killer french fry topper. Maybe in a grilled cheese it would be nice also. I'm just spitballin' here. Nice smell too. 5 stars. Maybe I'll look up a recipe

Ran out of berbere spice for some of my favorite recipes and ran across a recommendation for this brand in an online cooking interest group. I live out in the country without access to many specialty food stores, so was happy to find it on Amazon and to read about the company. Their customer service outreach was terrific from the start, even before I received my order and delivery was prompt. The spice jars are generously sized; I ordered a couple of other delicious-sounding blends while I was at it and super pleased with everything. Top quality spices that I from a company I am glad to support.