Niter Kibbeh
Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter
Niter Kibbeh is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, a deeply fragrant, spiced clarified butter that forms the flavor base for countless dishes. Its rich aroma and extended shelf life make it an essential ingredient.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Unsalted butter(High-quality butter will yield the best flavor. Avoid salted butter as it can affect the final taste and shelf life.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon Whole cardamom pods(Lightly crushed to release flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Whole fenugreek seeds
- 1 inch piece Cinnamon stick(Or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon if whole stick is unavailable.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji seeds (Nigella seeds)(Optional, but adds a characteristic Ethiopian flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder(For color and subtle earthy notes.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the aromatics: Peel and quarter the onion. Peel and smash the garlic cloves. Peel and roughly chop the ginger. Lightly crush the cardamom pods.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Combine butter and aromatics: Place the unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the prepared onion, garlic, ginger, cardamom pods, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon stick, kalonji seeds (if using), and turmeric powder.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Begin melting the butter: Place the saucepan over low heat. Allow the butter to melt slowly and gently. Do not stir vigorously at this stage. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Simmer and infuse: Once the butter is fully melted and the solids have separated, continue to simmer gently over low heat. The mixture should bubble softly, not boil vigorously. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 5
Watch for browning: Continue simmering until the milk solids at the bottom of the pan are a deep golden brown and the butter is clear and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the solids, as this will impart a bitter flavor. The aroma should be rich and spicy.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 6
Strain and store: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Strain the clarified butter through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) into a clean, heatproof jar or container. Discard the solids and aromatics.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Cool and store: Allow the Niter Kibbeh to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the container. Once cooled, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks, or refrigerated for several months.
⏱️ Cooling time varies
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Niter Kibbeh is the foundational spiced butter used in many Ethiopian dishes, providing a unique depth of flavor.
- ✓When stored properly in a cool, dark place, it has a long shelf life due to the removal of milk solids.
- ✓The fragrant aroma comes from the slow infusion of spices and aromatics into the butter.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Adjust the quantity and type of spices to your preference. Some recipes include black peppercorns, cloves, or bay leaves.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh curry leaves or thyme for subtle variations.