Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread

Name: Silky Ethiopian Chiro with Berbere Spices and Flatbread
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups chickpea flour; 4 cups warm water; 1 large onion; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons berbere spice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon ground chili; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 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

A Spicy, Savory Ethiopian Chickpea Stew

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

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chiro Stew

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

For the Berbere Spice Blend

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

For the Flatbread

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 cup warm water

Preparation

Preparing the Berbere Spice Blend

Mix Spices

Mix all the spice ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Toast Spices

Toast the mixture in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

For deeper flavor, toast the berbere spice before adding it to the stew.

Store Blend

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Making the Flatbread

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

Form Dough

Pour olive oil and warm water into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead & Rest

Knead for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 15 minutes.

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.

Cooking Process

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.

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.

Final Touch

Adjust the seasoning of the stew with salt and let it simmer for a few additional minutes.

Plating & Serving