Key Sir (Ethiopian Spiced Beets)

🧂 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

• 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.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving