Savory Eritrean Zigni with Spicy Tomato Stew

Name: Savory Eritrean Zigni with Spicy Tomato Stew
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat; Berbere Spice Mix; Garlic; Salt; Lemon Juice; Olive Oil; Onion; Ginger; Tomatoes; Tomato Paste; Beef Stock; Salt and Pepper; Cumin Seeds; Coriander Seeds; Cinnamon Stick; Cardamom Pods; Injera; Ethiopian-style Lentils or Rice

A flavorful and hearty stew with authentic Eritrean spices

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Eritrean cuisine with this delicious beef stew, enhanced by a spicy tomato base.

3 h
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

Beef Marinade

Beef Stew Meat

500g, cut into bite-sized pieces

Berbere Spice Mix

2 tablespoons

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Salt

1 teaspoon

Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon

Spicy Tomato Stew

Olive Oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1 large, finely chopped

Ginger

2 teaspoons, grated

Tomatoes

4 large, pureed

Tomato Paste

2 tablespoons

Beef Stock

1.5 cups

Salt and Pepper

to taste

Spice Mix

Cumin Seeds

1 teaspoon

Coriander Seeds

1 teaspoon

Cinnamon Stick

Cardamom Pods

Sides

Injera

Ethiopian-style Lentils or Rice

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, combine beef stew meat with berbere spice mix, garlic, salt, and lemon juice.

Mix Well

Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Toast Spices

Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.

Ensure spices don’t burn while toasting, watch carefully.

Grind Spices

Grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavors.

Set Aside

Set aside until needed for the stew preparation.

Cooking Process

Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat, add marinated beef, and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Timing: 10 minutes. Heat: Medium-High.

Cook the Base

In the same pot, add onions and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add the spice mix and stir well.

Timing: 10 minutes.

Simmer the Stew

Add pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and let simmer until tender.

Timing: 2 hours. Heat: Low.

Plating & Serving