Chinese five spice powder

Chinese five spice powder is an aromatic blend of spices used in Chinese cooking and is easy to prepare using either whole or ground spices.

The good thing about mixing your own spice blend is that you can adjust the balance of spices to suit your own taste.

Your homemade Chinese five spice isn't only for Chinese recipes. Use it to prepare this quick and easy spicy cabbage or to season these spicy cauliflower bites.

While you have your spice cupboard open you could prepare you own chilli spice blend, mix some pilau rice seasoning, mix your own curry powder or prepare your own mixed spice for baking.

The quantities in this homemade seasoning blend are based on using ground spices. If you are using any whole spices, grind in a spice grinder or using a pestle and mortar before measuring and mixing.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon - use either ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick.
• Star anise - typically bought as whole spices and will need grinding.
• Cloves - again, these are typically bought whole and will need to be ground.
• Fennel - use ready ground fennel or grind some fennel seeds.
• Pepper - use either Szechuan pepper or black pepper.

How to prepare

If you are using any whole spices, toast in a heavy skillet for around a minute or so taking care not to burn. This will help to release more intense flavours. Then grind each spice separately using a spice mill, coffee grinder or pestle and mortar and then proceed as for ground spices.

If you are using ground spices, measure into a bowl and mix.

Transfer to a clean, airtight container to store.

To store

• Store in a clean, dry jar with an airtight lid.
• Your homemade spice blend will keep for several months or years.

Chinese five spice uses

• Substitute your homemade spice blend for store bought five spice powder to use in your favourite Chinese recipes.
• Use to season vegetables such as spicy roast cauliflower, spiced cabbage or roast parsnips.
• Add to baked goods such as biscuits, cakes, fruit crumble or pies.
• Use to add flavour to homemade chutneys such as red tomato chutney or mixed fruit chutney.

Other homemade spice blends