Ethiopian Tips: A Flavorful Black History Month Recipe

Ethiopia, a land of ancient history and vibrant culture, boasts a cuisine as rich and diverse as its heritage. This Black History Month, let's celebrate the bold and flavorful world of Ethiopian food with a delicious recipe: Ethiopian Beef Stir-fry. This dish, a vibrant tapestry of spices and textures, offers a unique culinary experience, showcasing the country's distinctive use of berbere spice blend and the satisfying warmth of injera bread. Forget bland weeknight dinners; this recipe is a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the aromatic blend of berbere, the tender beef, and the satisfying crunch of vegetables. This Ethiopian beef stir-fry is not just a meal; it's a journey to the heart of Ethiopian culinary tradition. Ready to embark on this flavorful adventure? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through creating this authentic and delicious dish.

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • Injera bread
  • Beef tenderloin (or flank steak)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Cardamom
  • Turmeric
  • Fenugreek
  • Butter
  • Broccoli, kale, or mustard greens
  • Berbere spice blend
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Vinegar
  • Mustard
  • Rosemary
  • Cilantro
  • Fresh cheese (e.g., ricotta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Aromatic Base

  • Cook butter with onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, oregano, cardamom, turmeric, and fenugreek until fragrant and clarified.
  • In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add cumin and rosemary.
Prepare the spice butter: Cook butter with onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, oregano, cardamom, turmeric, and fenugreek until fragrant and clarified.In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add cumin and rosemary.
Prepare the Aromatic Base

Step 2. Sear the Beef and Sauté the Greens

  • Cut beef tenderloin into cubes.
  • Sear the beef cubes in a pan with oil and season with Berbere spice blend, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chopped greens to the same pan, utilizing the flavorful drippings.
Cut beef tenderloin into cubes.Sear the beef cubes in a pan with oil and season with Berbere spice blend, salt, and pepper.Add chopped greens to the same pan, utilizing the flavorful drippings.
Sear the Beef and Sauté the Greens

Step 3. Create the Flavorful Sauce

  • Add crushed tomatoes, vinegar, mustard, and the cooked greens to the onion mixture.
  • Stir in the seared beef, and add chopped cilantro.
  • Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until flavors meld.
Add crushed tomatoes, vinegar, mustard, and the cooked greens to the onion mixture.Stir in the seared beef, and add chopped cilantro.
Create the Flavorful Sauce

Step 4. Serve and Garnish

  • Serve the Tips on injera bread. Garnish with additional Berbere spice and fresh cheese.
Serve the Tips on injera bread. Garnish with additional Berbere spice and fresh cheese.
Serve and Garnish

Read more: Ethiopian Cabbage (Tikel Gomen): A Simple, Healthy Recipe

Tips

  • Spice butter can be made in large batches and stored for later use. It enhances various dishes.
  • Use a lean cut of beef like flank steak for a more affordable option.
  • Berbere spice blend is essential for authentic Ethiopian flavor; it's often used as a currency in Ethiopia.
  • This recipe serves 6-8 people and is best enjoyed with a good beer.
  • Traditionally, injera bread is used to scoop up the Tips.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-700
  • Fat: 30-40g
  • Carbs: 40-50g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. What is berbere spice, and can I substitute it?

Berbere is a complex Ethiopian spice blend. While you can't perfectly replicate it, a mix of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, ginger, and cumin will provide a similar flavor profile.

2. What type of beef is best for this recipe?

Use a cut of beef that's relatively tender and holds up well to stir-frying, such as sirloin tip or flank steak. Cubing it into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking.


This Ethiopian beef stir-fry is a fantastic way to celebrate Black History Month and explore the rich culinary heritage of Ethiopia. The vibrant flavors and relatively simple preparation make it a perfect dish for both experienced cooks and culinary newcomers. Enjoy the delicious results and savor the taste of tradition!