Chinese Five Spice

Name: Chinese Five Spice
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: about 1/2 cup
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons aniseed; 2 tablespoons fennel seed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons whole cloves; 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Yield about 1/2 cup

Test Kitchen Approved

This easy-to-make Chinese five-spice blend brings complex, balanced flavor to your dishes. It's perfect for roasting meats, enhancing stir-fries or adding a unique twist to baked goods.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons aniseed
2 tablespoons fennel seed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons whole cloves
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

Directions

In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine all ingredients (in batches if necessary); grind until mixture becomes a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Facts

1 teaspoon: 8 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

I regularly mix up my own spice blends, such as this Chinese five spice recipe. I make Indian and Mexican spice blends, too. But my favorite is this one, thanks to its strong anise flavor. It's so convenient to make from pantry staples I have on hand. —Lydia Scott, Englehart, Ontario

Recipe Creator