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Filipino Warm Spice Blend

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Filipino Warm Spice Blend

This Filipino Warm Spice Blend is a pantry staple that weaves its way through many cherished dishes, lending its fragrant warmth to the Filipino table. With roots tracing back to the diverse influences that have shaped Filipino cuisine, this blend is often used to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. It is particularly popular during festive seasons, when its comforting aroma fills the air, signaling the start of celebrations.

Expect a harmonious balance of cinnamon's sweet warmth, cardamom's citrusy undertones, the earthy heat of black pepper, and the deep, robust notes of cloves. The fine sea salt ties everything together, ensuring each spice shines without overwhelming. Use this blend generously in marinades, desserts, and stews, letting it elevate your culinary creations with layers of inviting flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspcinnamon
  • 1 tbspcardamom
  • 1 tspcloves
  • 1 tspblack pepper
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by placing a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of cardamom, 1 teaspoon of cloves, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir the spices continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning and ensure even toasting. You'll know they're ready when the spices release a warm, inviting aroma, and the cinnamon turns a slightly darker shade.
  2. Once the spices are fragrant, immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent over-toasting. Transfer the spices to a plate or a cool surface to halt the cooking process. Allow them to cool completely, which should take about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as grinding warm spices can lead to clumping and uneven texture.
  3. After the spices have cooled, place them in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Add 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind the spices until they form a uniform, fine powder. The blend should have a consistent texture without any large pieces remaining.
  4. Transfer the ground spice blend to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any moisture from affecting the spices. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to preserve the blend's aroma and flavor.
  5. For optimal flavor, use the Filipino Warm Spice Blend within a few months. Over time, the potency of the spices will diminish, so it's best to make smaller batches if you don't use it frequently. This blend is perfect for adding a warm, aromatic touch to various Filipino dishes.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Filipino Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Filipino volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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