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Kitfo

Ethiopian food is often defined by its unique spiciness, and kitfo is no exception. This popular dish features minced, raw beef seasoned with a hot spice mix called berbere and a spiced clarified butter called niter kebbeh. In Ethiopian cuisine, kitfo is usually served with a mild cheese called ayibe, cooked greens known as gomen​, and traditional flatbread injera. Likely introduced to America by East African immigrants, kitfo remains popular in Ethiopian American communities, especially in the Northeast part of the country. 

Recipe Servings: 2

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz niter kebbeh (spiced clarified butter)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped bell pepper
  • 2 Tbsp powdered hot red chilies
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • ½ tsp cardamom
  • 1½ tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp berbere spice mix
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 lbs lean beef, minced

Directions

  1. Melt niter kebbeh butter in a saucepan.
  2. Add the onions, green pepper, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and cardamom.
  3. Sauté for 3–5 minutes while stirring.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice, berbere, and salt.
  6. Combine raw beef with butter mixture, stirring to coat.
  7. Serve immediately. 

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