Kitfo
Kitfo is a classic Ethiopian main that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.
Carefully prepared featuring Beef fillet (very fresh), Butter (for the niter kibbeh), Ginger, Garlic, Cardamom pods, Cinnamon stick, Fenugreek seeds, Mitmita spice, Ayib or fresh curd, Stewed collard greens and Injera (to serve), the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.
Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.
If you enjoy authentic Ethiopian cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Ají De Gallina.
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Ingredients
- Beef fillet (very fresh)700 g
- Butter (for the niter kibbeh)200 g
- Ginger30 g
- Garlic5 cloves
- Cardamom pods5 pieces
- Cinnamon stick1 piece
- Fenugreek seeds1 tsp
- Mitmita spice2 tbsp
- Ayib or fresh curd200 g
- Stewed collard greens300 g
- Injera (to serve)4 pieces
- SaltTo taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
7 stepsInteractive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.
Melt the butter over a low heat with the ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon and fenugreek.
Hold it twenty minutes without boiling, until the foam settles and the butter turns clear.
Strain the niter kibbeh through muslin and keep it warm.
Trim every membrane and sinew from the beef and chop it very fine with a knife, almost to a paste.
Work the warm niter kibbeh, mitmita and salt into the meat by hand for two minutes.
Warm the mixture in a pan for thirty seconds to body temperature, without letting it whiten.
Serve it on injera with the ayib cheese and stewed greens alongside.
👨🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes
Cultural Heritage
Kitfo carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, beef fillet (very fresh) can be substituted with an equivalent volume of seasonal vegetables, legumes, or a protein alternative of your preference.
Chef Technique Tips
Season in stages rather than all at once at the end. Salting components as they cook draws out excess moisture, intensifies natural sugars, and builds harmonious depth of flavor throughout the dish.
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