Yebeg Alecha
Ethiopian Mild Lamb Stew
A comforting and mild Ethiopian lamb stew, characterized by its vibrant yellow hue from turmeric and a gentle, aromatic flavor profile. This dish is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, often served during celebrations and family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Lamb shoulder or leg
- 3 large Yellow onions
- 60 g Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)(If unavailable, unsalted butter can be substituted, though the authentic flavor will be slightly altered.)
- 2 tbsp Ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp Fresh ginger
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 500 ml Water or lamb broth(Adjust as needed to achieve desired stew consistency.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt the Niter Kibbeh in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are very soft and translucent, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid browning them; they should become pale yellow and sweet. This slow sautéing is crucial for developing the stew's base flavor.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 2
Stir in the ground turmeric, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step toasts the spices and releases their aromatic oils.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 3
Add the cubed lamb to the pot. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and sear the lamb on all sides until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This helps to lock in the juices and add depth of flavor.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Pour in the water or lamb broth, ensuring the lamb is mostly submerged. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a little more liquid if the stew becomes too dry.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 6
Once the lamb is tender, remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stew has reached your desired consistency. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 7
Serve hot, traditionally with injera (Ethiopian sourdough flatbread) or rice.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This is a mild stew, intentionally without the spicy berbere blend. The 'alecha' style focuses on aromatic spices like turmeric and ginger.
- ✓The vibrant yellow color comes directly from the generous amount of turmeric used.
- ✓For a richer flavor, ensure you use good quality Niter Kibbeh. If using regular butter, consider infusing it with cardamom, fenugreek, and cumin seeds for a similar aromatic profile.
- ✓The key to tender lamb is slow, gentle simmering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cubed potatoes and carrots during the last 30-40 minutes of simmering for a heartier stew.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- For a touch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice can be added just before serving.