How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute shiro powder?

If unavailable, use additional spices like ground cumin and paprika.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, replace clarified butter with coconut oil for a vegan version.

Can I make this ahead?

Certainly! Shiro tastes better as flavors meld overnight—reheat gently on the stove.

What can I serve on the side?

Traditional injera or any preferred flatbread complements well.

Ethiopian Mitin Shiro with Aromatic Ginger and Cardamom

Name: Ethiopian Mitin Shiro with Aromatic Ginger and Cardamom
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup chickpea flour; 2 tablespoons shiro powder; 3 cups water; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 2 tablespoons clarified butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger; Lemon wedges

Satisfyingly Spiced Chickpea Stew

A hearty, comforting Ethiopian dish with chickpea flour simmered with aromatic spices like ginger and cardamom. Ideal for a cozy meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Shiro Base

1 cup chickpea flour

2 tablespoons shiro powder

3 cups water

Salt to taste

For the Aromatic Spice Mix

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

2 tablespoons clarified butter

niter kibbeh, if available

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Spicy Stew

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Preparing the Shiro Base

Whisk chickpea flour and shiro powder

Gradually whisk chickpea flour and shiro powder into 3 cups of water until smooth.

Season and set aside

Add a pinch of salt and set aside.

Making the Aromatic Spice Mix

Melt clarified butter

Melt clarified butter in a pan on low heat.

Using clarified butter intensifies the rich flavors.

Stir in spices

Stir in ground ginger, cardamom, and minced garlic.

Cook until fragrant

Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Ensure the spice mix doesn’t burn; keep the heat low.

Cooking Process

Sauté onions

Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent.

Add tomato paste

Add tomato paste to the onions, cooking until caramelized.

Simmer the shiro

Pour in the prepared shiro mixture and the aromatic spice mix, simmer for 40-45 minutes until thick.

Plating & Serving