Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter

Name: Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g lean beef; 3 tablespoons Niter Kibbeh; 2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 clove garlic; 250g unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds; 1 teaspoon cardamom pods; 1 cinnamon stick; A pinch of grated nutmeg; 3 cloves; 1 small onion; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Traditional Ethiopian minced beef infused with spices and aromatic herbs

Kitfo is a classic Ethiopian dish made from finely minced raw beef, seasoned with a blend of vibrant spices and clarified butter, creating a savory sensation that's both simple and deeply flavorful.

1 h
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kitfo

500g lean beef

minced finely

3 tablespoons Niter Kibbeh

2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix

1 teaspoon salt

1 clove garlic

minced

For the Niter Kibbeh

250g unsalted butter

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

1 teaspoon cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

A pinch of grated nutmeg

3 cloves

1 small onion

finely sliced

2 cloves garlic

minced

For the Berbere Spice Mix

2 tablespoons paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine Beef, Salt, and Garlic

In a bowl, combine minced beef with salt and garlic.

Add Niter Kibbeh and Berbere Spice

Add Niter Kibbeh and Berbere spice mix, massaging into the beef thoroughly.

Marinate

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Niter Kibbeh

Melt Butter

Melt butter in a pan over low heat.

Add Spices

Add fenugreek, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Simmer with Aromatics

Incorporate onion and garlic, simmering until aromatic.

Strain Butter

Strain solids from butter using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

Ensure the butter does not burn; keep it on low heat. Strain Niter Kibbeh through cheesecloth for a clearer infusion.

Cooking Process

Mixing

Gently fold all marinated ingredients together before serving.

Toast Spices (Optional)

Lightly toast Berbere spices in a dry pan before mixing for enhanced flavor.

Heat Niter Kibbeh

Warm Niter Kibbeh slightly before incorporating into the beef.

Plating & Serving