Ethiopian Food Recipes – Explore Authentic Dishes from Ethiopia

If you are exploring world cuisine and now you have come to the wonderful Ethiopian food then, of course, we are going to mentor you through the process! Ethiopians have a fascinating history associated with the enriched delicacies that they have developed just like other parts of the world! And as we say, cooking is not just about recipes and instructions but also about the extraordinary tales that lie behind the cuisine. If you are already excited then let's begin right away!

What is the history associated with the evolution of Ethiopian delicacies- it is alright if you are not in Ethiopia, the tales from the past will walk up to you with the narration below. The surrounding areas of Ethiopia were exposed to several wonderful spices from India. This also included the chile pepper from Portugal and ginger from East Asian countries in the 1400s! All the basic ingredients you need for a sumptuous dish. The common grains that Ethiopia produced included sorghum, millet, teff, and wheat. These thrived well in the temperate climate and are included in the staple dishes. A combination of spices from other parts of the world and their indigenous grains resulted in the creation of fantastic recipes in Ethiopia!

Have you ever wondered what Ethiopian food tastes like?

There is a sour, and pungent taste is observed in the Ethiopian recipe. The spicy and earthy taste of the recipe is felt predominantly in any Ethiopian dish! There is a basic spice that is used in the recipe and is called the Berbere. It consists of chile peppers, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and coriander.

If you are planning to eat Ethiopian curry then you should combine it with their inherent sour bread known as the Injera. When you are consuming Injera there is no need for you to use a plate! It is a sort of flatbread that you may use to scoop the curry and consume it together.

General overview of Ethiopian food-

To sum up, an Ethiopian curry consists of veggies and spicy meat! So if you are a fan of spices then you will certainly find the idea of indulging in Ethiopian cuisine to be the best! A thick stew of veggies and meat is prepared and it is called the wat. There are several Ethiopian dishes that are vegan and if you have ever wondered why, here is the answer to your question!

There is a special fasting session which is held by the Ethiopians as recognized by the churches every Wednesday and Friday! During these two days, they are prevented from ingesting any sort of meat. The fasting is known as "tsom".

What are the traditional ingredients used in making Ethiopian delicacies-

Berbere- We already spoke about Berbere which is a mixture of spices that are more or less added to any sort of dish that you can think of in Ethiopia! As mentioned earlier, it comprises powdered chili pepper and other spices cardamom, fenugreek, coriander, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cumin, and allspice. There is a special butter which is used for stews and grilled fish in town! The butter is made with the essence of ginger, garlic, and several other spices! It is known as "nitter kibbeh".

Another mixture of spices used in the town consists of orange-red and contains ground bird's eye chili peppers (piri piri), cardamom seed, cloves, and salt. It is called the Mitmita!

Now, let us begin to explore some wonderful recipes of Ethiopian origin, shall we?

Delicious Ethiopian Food Recipes - Unforgettable Flavors

1. Egyptian beef tibs

All you need are twenty-five minutes to prepare the Egyptian beef tibs!

If you are craving something unique and succulent then this delicacy is the best.

Served with chopped green pepper and sprinkled with herbs, this is a wonderful idea indeed.

2. Ethiopian Doro Wat recipe

The spicy chicken Doro wat is served with injera bread and an authentic combination of meals all the way from Ethiopia!

Are you ready to indulge in the blissful and spicy recipe for tonight?

Then what are you waiting for? Get started right away!

3. Sega Wat( Spicy Ethiopian beef stew)

Nothing is stopping you from fulfilling your dreams of making the best Ethiopian beef stew in the world with the recipe that we have brought for you.

Succulent and filled with sauces, it is indeed mind-blowing!

4. Tikel Gomen( Ethiopian cabbage dish)

If you are looking for a vegan Ethiopian delicacy then you should give it a try to the Tikel Gomen filled with cabbage and small chopped potatoes!

There are even carrots to make the dish even more wonderful and perfect to enjoy with rice!

5. Ethiopian homemade injera bread recipe

This is the Ethiopian version of the sourdough crepes and we are sure you will fall in love with the crispy and crusty bread which is perfect to go with any stew or curry!

Injera bread is the specialty and you should give it a try!

6. Creamy Ethiopian Berbere chicken curry

Whether you are having a wholesome meal with rice or simply wish to make chicken curry with Injera bread, the exotic Berbere chicken curry is a must-have!

Prepared with an authentic blend of spices, there are not many words to describe its brilliance.

7. Ethiopian homemade red lentil recipe

Comforting and cozy, the recipe is extraordinary and you should give it a try!

Flavored with a blend of smooth spices, the red lentil curry is fantastic and simply tastes out of the world.

8. Ethiopian honey bread

Sweet and savory, the Ethiopian honey bread is exotic and perfect to enjoy for breakfast!

Start your day on a great note with the sweet loaf on the sides!

Even kids will find boring bread fascinating with this idea!

9. Ethiopian spicy lentils( Misir Wot)

Here is a lentil stew that you can enjoy with loads of spices and gravy on the sides!

So if you are looking for a vegan option then this is the best that you have got!

Comforting and filling in every bite!

10. Instant Pot Doro Wat

The spicy chicken stew is rich and flavorful indeed! Blended with authentic spices, the Doro Wat also has eggs along with chicken so you have a great time at the table.

Are you ready to indulge in its bliss?

11. Ethiopian spicy pumpkin stew ( Duba wat)

Prepared with succulent and creamy pumpkins, the Duba Wat is perfect for the fall season.

If you are a vegan and looking for brand new ideas then this pumpkin stew will simply sway you off your feet with its magnificent presence.

12. Vegetarian lentil sambusa

Adorned with garlic, jalapeno, ginger, and lentils, the vegetarian sambusa is the perfect snack to accompany your cup of tea in the evening.

With the right dose of crispy outside and tender inside, the vibrant flavors of sambusa will surely appeal to the taste buds.

13. Ethiopian cabbage and potatoes

Here comes the Ethiopian cabbage and potato curry that is so simple to make!

Perfect to enjoy on a hot summer day when you feel like consuming something light!

So what are you waiting for? Make it today!

14. Gomen wat_Ethiopian collard greens

The Gomen wat_ a recipe of Ethiopian collard greens which is not only tasteful but healthy too!

Following your diet has become super easy with the wonders of the flavors which this recipe bears.

Shall we try it then?

15. Ethiopian chicken Doro wat recipe

Here comes the most exotic delicacy of all time! We have the rich and flavorful chicken Doro wat that is the best when it comes to enjoying and experiencing the best of Ethiopian cuisine.

Try and make it when guests are coming over too.

16. Ethiopian chicken stew

If you are fond of exploring new delicacies around the world then the southern Ethiopian stew with chicken cubes is waiting for you right here.

Follow this recipe to enjoy something warm and flavorful at the same time.

17. Zigni_

You can prepare this Berbere stew with poultry, beef, or lamb, whichever you prefer for your next meal!

The gorgeous blend of spices in Zigni gives the recipe its distinguished taste and color!

So if you are in the mood for something nice and cozy, don't forget to give it a try to Zigni.

18. Spicy Ethiopian lamb stew

So you haven't planned anything for tonight, isn't it looking for ideas? Why not indulge in the spicy Ethiopian lamb stew?

Check if you have some lamb meat in the refrigerator and get started with the dish.

We can assure you that there will be no disappointment at all!

19. Tibs_ an amazing Ethiopian dish

This is a form of meat cubes tossed with diced onions and spices! There are chopped bell pepper too!

It works as a great sticky side dish to the meal!

20. Ethiopian lentil with Berbere sauce

Served with chili flakes and the zest of lemon, the Ethiopian lentil cooked with Berbere spices simply tastes out of a world recipe!

Make your brunch special with this authentic choice. Shell we then?

21. Injera( Ethiopian flatbread)

Injera bread is made with a combination of flour and hence it tastes so wonderful and divine!

Here is a recipe that you will surely find perfect to accompany as a side dish!

Perfect to try out for a lazy weekend or holiday!

22. Ethiopian cabbage_ (atakilt wat )

Here is the best vegan option for the summer! The light and flavorful Ethiopian cabbage is fantastic and you should give it a try too!

Enjoy with steamed rice on the sides!

Comforting and tasteful, what an excellent dish to indulge in!

23. Sega Firfir recipe Amharic English Injera lamb meat berbere

The Sega Firfir recipe of Ethiopian delicacy is marvelous and flooded with the rich essence of spices!

The meat curry is served within the injera flatbread for this recipe! Ideal to call a meal.

24. Shiro recipe

If you are making Shiro for the first time then you have to indulge in the magnificent taste of the Shiro recipe flooded with the goodness and flavors of onions and Roma tomato puree!

So are you ready to experience its blissful presence on the taste buds?

25. Crispy one pan honey garlic Ethiopian Berbere chicken thigh

Served with herbed rice, the crispy one-pan honey garlic chicken is the best! The smooth and savory Berbere spices are felt in every mouthful!

The combination of honey and garlic is equally breathtaking!

To find out, you have to make this recipe.

26. Kai Sega Wat( spicy Ethiopian beef stew)

Garnished with herbs, the Kai Sega Wat is ideal for spice lovers!

Ethiopians indeed have a craving for spicy recipes and if you share the same taste buds then give this a try to this dish the right way!

27. Ethiopian Tibs Stew recipe

You will never run out of ideas when the Ethiopian Tibs Stew recipe is at your disposal!

Comforting and cozy, you can even enjoy a spicy stew in the middle of a busy week.

28. Slow cooker Ethiopian chicken stew with lentils and sweet potatoes

Here is a wholesome dish for you to indulge in this season! Flavored with sweet potatoes and lentils, the chicken breast pieces are marinated in spices and taste so divine indeed.

29. Quick Ethiopian flatbread

So you have all these Ethiopian curries and now you are wondering what to eat them with!

Quickly prepare the Ethiopian flatbread and enjoy a great meal.

There is something certainly so tender and chewy about the bread that you will simply not stop at one.

30. Gomen( Ethiopian collard greens)

Of course, eating spicy food can be healthy too as long as you do not forget to try out this recipe of Ethiopian collard greens.

Fascinating and enriching in every bite!

You may serve it as an appetizer too!

Frequently asked questions about making Ethiopian delicacies

1. What is so special about Ethiopian delicacies?

Ethiopian delicacies are flooded with loads of nutrients which makes the dish so much more special amonforryone! And guess what, it is low in fats too! So dig in guilt-free.

2. What is an authentic Ethiopian dish?

To make an authentic Ethiopian dish you need to prepare the Injera, which is a flatbread combined with some meat stew on the sides.

3. Which is the most popular dish in Ethiopia?

Doro Wat, the Ethiopian meat stew is fantastic and flavored with berbere, which is a blend of spices! Apart from that, there are lentils and other veggie curries that you can indulge in as well.

4. Is Indian and Ethiopian food the same?

Although some of the ingredients and spices are common between Indian and Ethiopian dishes, they differ in their composition and style of preparation.

5. What are Ethiopian dishes best known for?

Apart from Ethiopian delicacies, we would like to state that the coffee of the region is worth trying out!

6. Are most Ethiopian dishes vegetarian?

Most of the Ethiopian dishes are vegetarian because the locals observe fast on Wednesday and Friday!

7. Is Injera similar to dosa?

Injera is more or less similar to dosa which is its Indian counterpart! Spongy and chewy, it is made from a variety of flour that is combined together.

8. Do Ethiopians eat chapati?

Ethiopians eat something very similar to chapati which is called the Injera, a kind of flatbread.

Bottom Line- Now that we have cleared your queries about Ethiopian delicacies, you can begin to work on these wonderful recipes! They are surely going to make your meals unique and special. So without wasting another second, get started with them. Will you?