Ye'assa Wot
Spicy Fish Stew
A rich and aromatic Ethiopian fish stew, featuring tender pieces of firm white fish simmered in a deeply spiced berbere sauce. Traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600g Firm white fish(Such as tilapia, cod, or snapper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces.)
- 2 large Yellow onions(Finely chopped.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Berbere spice blend(Adjust to your spice preference. Berbere is a complex Ethiopian spice mix.)
- 100ml Vegetable oil or niter kibbeh (clarified butter)(Niter kibbeh adds a traditional, rich flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 250ml Water or vegetable broth(For creating the sauce consistency.)
- To taste Salt
- 2-3 cloves Optional: Garlic(Minced, for added flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Optional: Ginger(Freshly grated, for added flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are very soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing the base flavor. If using, add minced garlic and grated ginger during the last 2 minutes of sautéing the onions until fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Stir in the berbere spice blend and tomato paste. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. This step, known as 'kolo,' toasts the spices and deepens their flavor, releasing their aromas. Be careful not to burn the spices.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour in the vegetable oil (or niter kibbeh) and stir to combine with the onion and spice mixture. Add the water or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Gently add the fish pieces to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Do not stir vigorously, as this can break up the fish. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish pieces.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Taste the stew and season with salt as needed. The berbere blend can vary in saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Serve the Ye'assa Wot hot, traditionally with injera. Spoon the stew over pieces of injera and use the injera to scoop up the delicious sauce and fish.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the onions are cooked down until very soft and golden brown before adding spices for a richer flavor base.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should be just cooked through and flaky.
- ✓Ye'assa Wot is often prepared during fasting periods in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, making it a popular vegan/vegetarian-friendly dish when made with oil instead of niter kibbeh.
- ✓For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of berbere or choose a milder blend.
- ✓The stew thickens as it cools; you can add a little more water or broth if reheating.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of firm white fish like tilapia, cod, snapper, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add a tablespoon of niter kibbeh towards the end of cooking for an extra layer of traditional flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of fenugreek or other spices for added complexity.