Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread

Name: Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups chickpea flour; 4 cups warm water; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons berbere spice, available at specialty stores or homemade; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon ground chili; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, ground; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon allspice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 cup warm water

Dive into a world of flavors with this traditional Ethiopian dish, featuring beautifully blended spices, velvety chickpeas, and aromatic accompaniments.

4.8(191 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 1, 2025

Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chiro Stew

For the Berbere Spice Blend

For the Flatbread

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 535 kcal
Protein: 18.25 g
Carbs: 84.25 g
Fat: 14.75 g
Fiber: 9.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2138 kcal
Protein: 73 g
Carbs: 337 g
Fat: 59 g
Fiber: 38 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups chickpea flour	728	42	118	14	24
4 cups warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1 large onion finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
3 cloves garlic minced	13	1	3	0	0
2 tablespoons berbere spice available at specialty stores or homemade	16	1	3	1	1
2 tablespoons olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons paprika	19	1	4	1	2
1 tablespoon ground chili	16	1	3	1	1
1 teaspoon ginger powder	6	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds ground	12	1	2	0	1
1 teaspoon cumin seeds ground	8	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon black pepper	6	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon allspice	6	0	1	0	0
2 cups all-purpose flour	910	25	190	2	6
1/2 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	119	0	0	13	0
3/4 cup warm water	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Berbere Spice Blend

1
Mix Spices
Mix all the spice ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
2
Toast Spices
Toast the mixture in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: For deeper flavor, toast the berbere spice before adding it to the stew.
3
Store Blend
Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Making the Flatbread

1
Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
2
Form Dough
Pour olive oil and warm water into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3
Knead & Rest
Knead for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 15 minutes.
Tip: Ensure the dough is soft and pliable for the best texture. Adding a drop of olive oil to your hands will make kneading easier and prevent sticking.

How to Make Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Cook Chiro Stew
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add berbere spice and chickpea flour; stir well. Gradually add water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and surfaces with a silky finish.
2
Cook Flatbread
Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each into a thin, round disc and cook on a hot pan for 2 minutes on each side until puffed and lightly browned.
3
Final Touch
Adjust the seasoning of the stew with salt and let it simmer for a few additional minutes.