Zigni Tsebhi Kebech
A rich and flavorful stew made with tender beef, simmered in a spicy berbere sauce with onions and garlic. This version incorporates 'kebech,' referring to the specific preparation of the meat and the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(cubed, preferably chuck or brisket)
- 3 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Berbere spice mix
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 tbsp Niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
- 2 cups Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the niter kibbeh in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
💡 Tip: Niter kibbeh adds a unique aromatic depth. - 2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the berbere spice mix and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and slightly darkened.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor. - 5
Add the cubed beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; brown the meat in batches if necessary. - 6
Pour in the water or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of your berbere mix significantly impacts the final flavor.
- ✓Slow cooking is key to tenderizing the beef and melding the flavors.
- ✓Serve hot with injera for an authentic Eritrean dining experience.
🔄 Variations
- Add a diced tomato in the last hour of cooking for a touch of acidity.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the berbere.