Spices And Seasonings To Find At An African Store
Different cuisines feature different spices and seasonings. If you're trying to replicate a certain cuisine at home, then having the right spices will make all the difference. So, what spices should you be looking for if you want to cook African cuisines at home? Visit a local African store, and keep an eye out for these popular options.
Grains of Paradise
Grains of Paradise are a spice that's common in West Africa. They look like peppercorns, but they're dark brown rather than black. And they don't really taste like peppercorns, either. While they are a little spicy, they are more reminiscent of warm, wintry spices like nutmeg and cardamom. In African cooking, Grains of Paradise are often used in breads and porridge, along with cakes. They can also be added in small amounts to meat dishes in order to balance out the flavors.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb, and its seeds are commonly used as a seasoning in African cuisine. They have a unique sweetness and are often added to meat dishes. If you find ground fenugreek, that is a good buy. If you can only find whole fenugreek seeds, then you will need some sort of grinder to process them before you use them in your cooking.
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that's not just used in Africa. It's also used all over Mexico and South America, and even in some Indian cooking. However, cumin from Africa does tend to have a slightly different taste than cumin of other origins. Some describe it as milder and sweeter. If you see cumin in an African store, purchase it for use in your cuisine. Otherwise, cumin from a South American country is an okay substitute.
Berbere
Berbere is not a single spice, but rather a blend of spices. It's really common in Ethiopia but is used in other African countries, too. Berbere is made with allspice, paprika, cumin, ginger, cayenne, and chili peppers. So, it has a unique combination of spicy and sweet flavors. You can use it to give your African stews an authentic flavor, or you can sprinkle it on some veggies before roasting them for a unique touch.
If you can find the right seasonings and spices, you can transform your cooking. Visit an African store, and browse the aisles, looking for the spices and seasonings above. Pick up any other unique seasonings you find, too. They're bound to be delicious.