Key Sir
Ethiopian Spiced Beets
A simple yet vibrant Ethiopian side dish featuring tender beets infused with aromatic spices, perfect for a fasting meal or as a colorful accompaniment to any spread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Beetroots
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 2-3 cloves Garlic
- 3 tablespoons Neutral Oil(Such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice(Freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 cup Water(Or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper(Freshly ground preferred)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Peel the beetroots and cut them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sauté aromatics: Heat the neutral oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat (approximately 175°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Cook the beets: Add the cubed beetroots to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat them in the oil. Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the beets cook until they are fork-tender. This will take approximately 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash more water if the pot becomes too dry.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Finish and season: Once the beets are tender, remove the lid. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any excess liquid to evaporate.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Key Sir warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish. It is traditionally enjoyed as part of an Ethiopian fasting meal, often alongside other vegetable stews and injera.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cardamom or cumin along with the garlic in step 2.
- ✓Ensure beets are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- ✓The vibrant color of the beets makes this a visually appealing dish.
- ✓This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- ✓Key Sir is an excellent example of the simple yet flavorful vegetable preparations common in Ethiopian cuisine, especially during fasting periods.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cubed potatoes along with the beets for a heartier dish.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of berbere spice blend in step 3.
- A small amount of finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley can be stirred in at the end for added freshness.