Seweryn Dominsky
Exquisite Ethiopian Kitfo: A Savory Dish of Minced Raw Beef with Aromatic Clarified Butter and Spice
Kitfo is a traditional Ethiopian dish that features minced raw beef mixed with a spiced, clarified butter called niter kibbeh and seasoned with a variety of robust, aromatic spices. It’s often enjoyed with injera, a sourdough flatbread that complements the dish beautifully. This delicacy is renowned for its unique flavors and textures, presenting an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Kitfo:
– 500g lean beef, minced
– 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
– 2 teaspoons mitmita (Ethiopian chili powder) or cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Salt to taste
For the Niter Kibbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter):
– 250g unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 stick cinnamon
– 3 cloves
Instructions:
Making the Niter Kibbeh:
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the turmeric, cardamom, fenugreek, cumin, oregano, basil, and thyme.
3. Drop in the cinnamon stick and cloves.
4. Simmer the butter on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse deeply.
5. Strain the butter through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid particles, reserving just the clarified butter.
6. Let the niter kibbeh cool slightly before using it in the Kitfo recipe.
Preparing the Kitfo:
1. Place the minced beef in a large bowl.
2. Gradually mix in the niter kibbeh, ensuring that the beef is well coated. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Sprinkle the mitmita (or cayenne pepper) and ground cardamom over the beef, then mix thoroughly.
4. Season with salt according to your taste preferences.
5. Serve the Kitfo immediately with injera or any flatbread of your choice. If you prefer, you can lightly cook the Kitfo on low heat just to warm through, but traditionally it is served raw.
Enjoy this Ethiopian culinary masterpiece, known for its rich flavors and tender texture!
