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Vietnamese Warm Spice Blend

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

Vietnamese Warm Spice Blend

A staple in Vietnamese kitchens, this Warm Spice Blend is the unsung hero behind many comforting dishes. Often prepared in advance and stored in jars, it waits patiently to enhance the flavor of everyday meals. This blend finds its roots in the harmonious balance of spices that characterize Vietnamese cuisine, adding depth to everything from pho to braised meats.

The blend should envelop your palate with a gentle warmth, as cinnamon and cloves dance alongside the subtle heat of black pepper. Cardamom adds a fragrant lift, while sea salt ties the flavors together. Use it sparingly or boldly to bring a cozy, aromatic touch to your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by placing a small, dry skillet on the stove 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 gently with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. You will know they are ready when the spices release a warm, rich aroma, which should take a few minutes.
  2. Once the spices are fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent burning. Transfer the spices to a cool plate or bowl to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Once the spices are fully cooled, place them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind the spices until they form a uniform, fine powder, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the blend.
  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.
  5. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to maintain the blend's potency. Use the spice blend within a few months to enjoy its best aroma and flavor in your Vietnamese dishes.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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