Siga Wot
Ethiopian Beef Stew
A deeply flavorful and aromatic Ethiopian beef stew, characterized by its rich berbere spice blend and slow-cooked tenderness. Traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Beef(Chuck roast or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 6 large Yellow Onions(Finely chopped or thinly sliced)
- 100 g (approx. 1 cup) Berbere Spice Blend(Adjust to taste and spice preference)
- 150 g (approx. 2/3 cup) Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter)(If unavailable, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of cardamom, fenugreek, and turmeric.)
- 4-6 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 1-inch piece Ginger(Fresh, grated or minced)
- 1-2 cups Water or Beef Broth(As needed for stew consistency)
- To taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onions: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil (optional, if your onions are very lean) over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped or sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 45-60 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized, golden brown, and significantly reduced in volume. This slow caramelization is crucial for the stew's depth of flavor.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 2
Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger with the caramelized onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the berbere spice blend and stir constantly for another 2-3 minutes, toasting the spices and releasing their aromas. Be careful not to burn the spices.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 3
Incorporate the niter kibbeh: Add the niter kibbeh to the pot and stir it into the onion-spice mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Sear and braise the beef: Add the cubed beef to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step adds another layer of flavor. Once seared, reduce the heat to low, add about 1 cup of water or beef broth, and season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot tightly.
⏱️ 15 minutes (searing) + 1.5-2 hours (braising) - 5
Slow cook until tender: Let the stew simmer gently, covered, for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally, adding more water or broth if the stew becomes too dry. The final consistency should be thick and rich.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours - 6
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the siga wot and adjust salt if needed. The stew should be deeply savory and spicy. Serve hot with traditional injera (sourdough flatbread) and ayib (a mild, fresh cheese) to balance the richness and spice.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to an authentic Siga Wot lies in the slow caramelization of the onions and the quality of the berbere spice blend. Don't rush these steps.
- ✓Niter kibbeh provides a unique, aromatic richness. If substituting, try to replicate its spiced flavor profile.
- ✓This stew is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- ✓The consistency should be thick, not soupy. If it's too thin towards the end of cooking, remove the lid and simmer to reduce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of berbere.
- Add hard-boiled eggs during the last 30 minutes of simmering for a classic addition.
- Some recipes include a small amount of tomato paste for added depth.