Spiced Ethiopian Kitfo with Mitmita and Clarified Butter

Name: Spiced Ethiopian Kitfo with Mitmita and Clarified Butter
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef; Clarified Butter (Niter Kibbeh); Mitmita Spice Blend; Salt; Unsalted Butter; Garlic; Ginger; Turmeric; Ground Cardamom; Ground Coriander; Ground Cinnamon; Nutmeg; Onion; Fenugreek Seeds; Fresh Basil Leaves; Fresh Arugula; Injera Bread

A traditional Ethiopian raw minced beef dish, rich in flavor

Kitfo is a classic Ethiopian dish primarily consisting of raw minced beef seasoned with spices and clarified butter, offering a truly rich and authentic taste experience.

50 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kitfo

Beef

500g — very lean, minced

Clarified Butter (Niter Kibbeh)

3 tbsp — melted

Mitmita Spice Blend

1 tsp — adjust to taste

Salt

To taste

For the Niter Kibbeh

Unsalted Butter

250g

Garlic

1 tsp — minced

Ginger

1 tsp — minced

Turmeric

1/2 tsp

Ground Cardamom

1/2 tsp

Ground Coriander

1/2 tsp

Ground Cinnamon

1/4 tsp

Nutmeg

1/4 tsp

Onion

1/4 cup — finely chopped

Fenugreek Seeds

1/2 tsp

For the Garnishes

Fresh Basil Leaves

1/2 cup — finely chopped

Fresh Arugula

1/4 cup — thinly sliced

For Serving

Injera Bread

Traditional Ethiopian flatbread, as required

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine Beef and Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef with melted clarified butter.

Add Spices and Salt

Add the mitmita spice blend and salt to taste.

Mix Thoroughly

Mix well until the beef is well coated with spices and butter.

Preparing the Niter Kibbeh

Melt Butter

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Add Aromatics and Spices

Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, onion, and fenugreek seeds.

Simmer and Strain

Simmer gently, allowing the flavors to infuse for about 15 minutes, then strain the mixture to clarify the butter.

Important: Ensure that the niter kibbeh is properly clarified to avoid butter burning. Pro Tip: The longer you simmer the niter kibbeh, the more intense the flavors will become.

Cooking Process

Mixing the Kitfo

Combine the marinated beef with a bit more niter kibbeh just before serving to enrich the texture.

Heating the Mitmita

Warm the mitmita slightly to release its deep, rich flavors.

Resting the Beef

Allow the spiced beef to rest for a few minutes before serving for best taste.

Plating & Serving