Buticha
A vibrant and tangy Ethiopian chickpea dip, similar to hummus but distinguished by its zesty lemon and sharp mustard flavors. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, especially within the context of Ethiopian fasting traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400g Cooked chickpeas(Canned or home-cooked. If using canned, rinse and drain thoroughly.)
- 4 tbsp Fresh lemon juice(Approximately 1-2 lemons, depending on size and juiciness.)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard(Or a spicy brown mustard for a stronger kick.)
- 1 small Jalapeño pepper(Finely minced. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in for more spice.)
- 1/4 medium Red onion(Finely minced. Red onion offers a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow or white.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(Extra virgin for best flavor, optional but recommended for richness.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them very well. Place the chickpeas in a medium bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, coarsely mash the chickpeas. Aim for a texture that is mostly broken down but still has some whole or partially intact chickpeas for visual appeal and a pleasant bite. Alternatively, pulse them a few times in a food processor, being careful not to over-process into a smooth paste.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Finely mince the aromatics: Peel and finely mince the jalapeño pepper. For a milder dip, remove the seeds and white membranes before mincing. Peel and finely mince the red onion. The smaller the mince, the better they will integrate into the dip.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine wet ingredients and chickpeas: Add the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and optional olive oil to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want more lemon for tanginess or more salt.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Fold in aromatics: Gently fold the minced jalapeño and red onion into the chickpea mixture. Distribute them evenly throughout the dip.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Buticha is best served chilled. Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or part of a larger Ethiopian meal, often accompanied by injera. It's a traditional component of Ethiopian fasting meals.
⏱️ 2 minutes (plus chilling time)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother buticha, process the chickpeas in a food processor until almost smooth before adding other ingredients.
- ✓Adjust the amount of lemon juice and mustard to your preference for tanginess and sharpness.
- ✓Buticha is a staple in Ethiopian fasting diets, which exclude animal products.
- ✓Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh cilantro before serving.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cumin for an earthy note.
- For a spicier version, use a serrano pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of tahini for a creamier, hummus-like consistency.