Chaimen an Armenian Spice Rub Use for Basterma
Bring a burst of bold, aromatic flavors to your kitchen with Chaimen, the rich Armenian spice rub that's essential for making traditional basterma. This vibrant blend of fenugreek powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, and cayenne pepper creates a savory, slightly spicy paste with an irresistible depth of flavor. Made in just 15 minutes, this spice rub is hydrated to a perfect, thick consistency, allowing the earthy spices to fully meld. Not only does Chaimen enhance the curing process for dried beef, but it also infuses the meat with a tantalizing fragrance that epitomizes Armenian culinary heritage. Ideal for home charcuterie projects, this versatile spice paste can also inspire unique flavor experiments in a variety of savory dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Fenugreek powder
- 2 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Water
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine fenugreek powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
Add the minced garlic to the dry spice mixture and stir to incorporate.
Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring, until the mixture forms a thick, paste-like consistency. You may not need the entire 1/2 cup of water, so add it slowly to avoid making the paste too thin.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the paste sit for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the spices to hydrate fully.
The chaimen paste is now ready to use. Spread it generously over your prepared cuts of beef for basterma and proceed with the curing and air-drying process as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
57 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4738 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.4 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 413 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
