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Kitfo

Authentic Ethiopian Kitfo recipe utilizing top-tier lean minced beef, niter kibbeh spiced clarified butter, and fiery mitmita seasoning.

Level Medium Prep 20 min Cook 10 min Servings 4 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

30 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 20m

Cook 10m

Level Medium

About this recipe

Authentic Ethiopian Kitfo recipe utilizing top-tier lean minced beef, niter kibbeh spiced clarified butter, and fiery mitmita seasoning.

Kitfo is a celebration of flavor in Ethiopian cooking, combining premium minced beef with spiced clarified butter and hot mitmita spice.

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Main

1 kg lean beef (finely minced (top round or sirloin), highest quality)

Spices & Butter

1 cup niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
2 tbsp mitmita (African bird's eye chili spice blend)
1 tsp korarima (Ethiopian cardamom powder)
salt (to taste)

Accompaniments

4 pieces injera (traditional flatbread for serving)
1 cup ayibe (Ethiopian cottage cheese (optional))
2 cups collard greens (gomen, cooked and spiced)

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan For melting butter and warming the meat
Chef's knife For fine mincing
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

Instructions

Ensure the beef is extremely fresh and finely minced using a sharp knife or meat grinder (avoid food processors to prevent a mushy texture). Remove any connective tissue or fat.
In a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet, gently warm the niter kibbeh over low heat. Do not let it overheat or fry aggressively.
Add the minced beef to the warm spiced butter along with the mitmita and korarima spice powders. Season with salt.
5 min
For traditional raw Kitfo (leb leb), toss continuously on very low heat for just 3 to 5 minutes until the butter melts completely and is absorbed, keeping the meat rare/warm. For fully cooked, cook slightly longer until browned to your preference.
5 min
Remove from heat immediately and serve right away while warm, accompanied by injera, ayibe (cottage cheese), and cooked collard greens.

Nutrition

Calories 540

Protein 42g

Carbs 4g

Fat 39g

Fiber 1g

Sugar 0g

Sodium 580mg

Serving Size 1 portion

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min

Cook 10 min

Total 30 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Taste 9.7
Presentation 9.2
Nutrition 8.0
Value 9.0
Instructions 9.4
Ingredients 9.2
Time Accuracy 9.5
Difficulty 7.5
Would Make Again 9.0

Video

Watch on Youtube

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An exceptional, aromatic masterpiece of Ethiopian cuisine featuring rich spices and buttery depth.

Pros

Incredible depth of flavor
High protein
Quick preparation time

Cons

Requires extremely fresh, high-grade beef

Overview

Kitfo is a celebration of flavor in Ethiopian cooking, combining premium minced beef with spiced clarified butter and hot mitmita spice.

AI Insights

Summary

Authentic Ethiopian Kitfo recipe utilizing top-tier lean minced beef, niter kibbeh spiced clarified butter, and fiery mitmita seasoning.

Tips

Use only the freshest beef from a trusted butcher if consuming raw or rare
Do not overheat the niter kibbeh or the spices may turn bitter
Always serve fresh with spongy injera and cooling ayibe cheese to balance the heat

Substitutions

Mitmita → cayenne pepper or berbere powder (though flavor profile will differ)
Niter Kibbeh → regular ghee mixed with a pinch of cardamom and turmeric

Storage

Kitfo is best consumed immediately upon preparation due to the raw or rare nature of the meat. Leftovers should be thoroughly cooked before keeping in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.