In my African kitchen, I use an electric coffee grinder for almost all of my whole spice and herb grinding. I do not want my spice blend flavors mingling with the next batch so to keep things fresh by using a little white rice to clean the coffee grinder.

Five DIY African Spice Recipes Made in a Coffee Grinder

Add all ingredients to a coffee grinder and pulse until mixed well. Store in a container away from moisture and heat. Do not place spice mix in the refrigerator.

Prep time: 30 min Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 30 min

The directions for all the recipes below:
Add all ingredients to the coffee grinder and pulse until mixed well. Store in a container away from moisture and heat. Do not place spice mix in the refrigerator.

Cape Malay Curry Powder for Fish

2 whole cloves

1 teaspoon coriander seed

1 teaspoon fennel seed

1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds

2 tablespoons black peppercorns

1 dried hot red chili

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon cardamom seeds

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon dried curry leaves



Baharat Spicy All-Purpose Seasoning Blend

1 tablespoon dried mint

2 dried hot red chilies

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 tablespoon dried coriander

¼ cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon cardamom seeds

2 whole cloves

Za'htar Vegetable Seasoning Blend

1 tablespoon ground sumac

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon dried thyme



Spicy Chili Beef Seasoning Blend

1 tablespoon dried garlic

2 tablespoons dried onion

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 allspice berries

¼ cup sea salt

1 dried bay leaf

1 teaspoon black peppercorns



Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Lamb Seasoning Blend

2 dried red chilies

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 tablespoon ground ginger

3 whole cloves

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

3 allspice berries

1 tablespoon cardamom seeds

1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves

¼ cinnamon stick