Kitfo

ETHIOPIA FOOD

Kitfo Recipe

Kitfo is a traditional dish in Ethiopian cuisine, particularly associated with the Gurage people. It consists of finely minced raw beef, seasoned with niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) and mitmita (a spice blend). Kitfo can be served raw (tere), slightly cooked (leb leb), or fully cooked, depending on personal preference. It is often accompanied by injera or kocho (a type of flatbread made from the enset plant), and sometimes with ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese) and gomen (cooked greens).

kitfo RECIPES

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 203 calories; fat 0.1g; sodium 11.4mg; carbohydrates 28.5g; protein 0.2g

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Descriptions

Kitfo is a traditional dish in Ethiopian cuisine, particularly associated with the Gurage people. It consists of finely minced raw beef, seasoned with niter kibbeh (spiced

Instructions:

Step 1

Ensure the beef is minced very finely. If necessary, use a sharp knife to mince it further or process briefly in a food processor.
If you don’t have pre-made niter kibbeh, you can prepare it by melting clarified butter and infusing it with spices such as garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, and cardamom.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef with the mitmita or cayenne pepper, salt, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper (if using).
Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, melt the niter kibbeh over low heat until it is completely liquid.
Pour the hot niter kibbeh over the seasoned minced meat and mix well. The hot butter will slightly cook the meat, which is ideal for the leb leb (slightly cooked) version of kitfo.

Step 4

If you prefer raw kitfo (tere), serve immediately after mixing with niter kibbeh.
For slightly cooked kitfo (leb leb), return the mixture to the saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly, until the meat is just warmed through but still pink.
For fully cooked kitfo, continue to cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) beef, minced very finely (lean cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin are preferred)
1/2 cup niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
1-2 tablespoons mitmita (Ethiopian spice blend) or cayenne pepper
Salt to taste 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional) Injera or kocho, for serving
1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Injera or kocho, for serving Ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese) (optional) Gomen (cooked greens) (optional)