Chinese five spice is a traditional Chinese spice blend used in many Chinese and Sichuan dishes.
Ingredients
4 star anise or use 1 tablespoons star anise powder
1 teaspoon fennel seeds or use 1 teaspoon ground fennel
1 teaspoon ground Szechuan pepper - use white pepper for milder flavor
1 3- inch stick Chinese cinnamon you can sub for other cinnamon - or use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 whole cloves or use 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Preparation
FOR WHOLE SPICES
Heat a large pan to medium-high heat. Add the whole seasonings and lightly toast them over dry heat, 1-2 minutes. Stir part way through. Be sure to not let the spices burn.
Remove from heat and transfer toasted spices to a spice grinder. Grind until well blended. You can also use a mortar and pestle to pulverize the ingredients by hand.
Use as desired. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
FOR GROUND SPICES
Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Use as desired. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
