The Unexpected Spice That Makes Salisbury Steak Taste More Expensive - Tasting Table

"Do you wish to elevate a classic Salisbury steak recipe into something a bit more gourmet? Berbere seasoning mix can be the secret to a weeknight meal that is upgraded with warm, complex flavors. While Salisbury steak has found its way onto many American tables, incorporating berbere (an Ethiopian spice blend) can transform the dish with layers of warming and fragrant spices."

"With beginnings that date back to the American Civil War - a physician named Dr. James Salisbury created the dish as a proposed remedy for soldiers' gastrointestinal distress - the meaty, savory recipe has demonstrated true staying power. Typical recipes result in broiled patties of meat covered with gravy. Using berbere to make both meat patties and the sauce in Salisbury recipes, as suggested in one recipe by the Washington Post, brings a touch of elegance to a time-tested dish."

"Berbere spice blends like this Spicy World Berbere Spice Blend can be found easily online and at specialty grocers. If you want to control the level of heat and ingredients used in the mix, try following chef Marcus Samuelsson's recipe to make berbere. The spices used to make this blend are often toasted, which adds a complexity to the mix."

Salisbury steak originated during the American Civil War when physician Dr. James Salisbury proposed the dish as a remedy for soldiers' gastrointestinal distress. Traditional preparations produce broiled beef patties smothered in gravy. Incorporating berbere—an Ethiopian spice blend of black pepper, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves—adds warming, fragrant complexity, subtle heat, depth, and smokiness to patties and sauce. Berbere blends are available online and at specialty grocers, or can be made at home from scratch. Toasting the spices and blooming the mix before use heightens complexity. Start with one to two teaspoons and adjust to taste.

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