Kitfo
Kitfo is a traditional Ethiopian dish made from finely minced beef, seasoned with a spicy chili powder blend (mitmita) and a clarified butter infused with herbs (niter kibbeh). It can be served raw (terak kitfo), rare (leb leb kitfo), or cooked through, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 794 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 gbeef, finely minced, ideally from lean top round or sirloin
- 0.5 cupniter kibbeh, melted
- 2 tbspmitmita
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspcardamom powder
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
for serving
- 0.5 cupcottage cheese(optional)
- 1 cupcollard greens, chopped, sautéed, for serving(optional)
- 4 pcsinjera
Equipment
large pan · spoon · mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the finely minced beef in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the beef is as finely minced as possible for the best texture.
- 2
Add the mitmita, salt, cardamom powder, and black pepper to the beef.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of mitmita to your preferred spice level.
- 3
Pour the melted niter kibbeh over the seasoned beef.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Niter kibbeh is essential for authentic flavor; ensure it's warm but not sizzling hot.
- 4
Using clean hands or a spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined and the beef is evenly coated.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: The warmth from the niter kibbeh will slightly 'cook' the beef, especially if serving rare.
- 5
If serving 'terak kitfo' (raw), proceed to plating. If serving 'leb leb kitfo' (rare), heat a pan over medium heat.
- 6
Add the kitfo mixture to the warm pan and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just warmed through and lightly browned on the outside, but still pink inside.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcook the beef for 'leb leb' style; it should remain tender and moist.
- 7
For fully cooked kitfo, continue to cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the beef is cooked through to your desired doneness.
About 7 min
- 8
Serve the kitfo immediately on a large platter or individual plates.
About 1 min
- 9
Accompany with injera, and optionally, a side of ayib (cottage cheese) and gomen (sautéed collard greens).
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 794.3kcal
- Protein
- 30.7g
- Carbs
- 42.3g
- Fat
- 56.9g
- Fibre
- 2.7g
- Sugar
- 2.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover kitfo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or niter kibbeh if it seems dry.