Authentic Ethiopian Zigni - A Flavorful Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of beef, cut into chunks
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 ginger root, finely chopped
  • 2 cups of tomato puree
  • 4 tablespoons of berbere spice
  • 2 teaspoons of turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of cardamom
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons of clarified butter (ghee)
  • Flatbread, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by heating the ghee in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Cook these until the onions become translucent.
  3. Add the beef chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Next, add the berbere spice, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir these spices into the onions, garlic, ginger, and beef until everything is well coated.
  5. Add the tomato puree and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together so that the ingredients are well mixed.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
  7. After 2 hours, check the beef. It should be tender and the sauce should be thick. If the beef is not tender, continue simmering until it is.
  8. Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Let the zigni cool for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Serve the zigni with flatbread on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For cooking the zigni and allowing space for simmering.
  • Cutting board - To chop the onions and ginger.
  • Knife - For cutting the beef into chunks and mincing the garlic.
  • Stirring spoon - To mix the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the tomato puree and beef broth.
  • Measuring spoons - For measuring the berbere spice, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom.
  • Spatula - For flipping and browning the beef.
  • Ladle - To serve the zigni into bowls.
  • Tongs - Use to handle the hot beef chunks while browning them.
  • Heat-resistant mitts or gloves - To protect your hands when handling hot pots or pans.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to make it more hearty.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of berbere spice or add some chili peppers.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Experiment with different spices or spice blends to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice at the end for a hint of citrusy freshness.
  • Serve zigni over rice or couscous instead of flatbread for a heartier meal.
  • Include some raisins or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
  • For a creamier version, stir in some coconut milk or yogurt towards the end of cooking.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Zigni recipe! Zigni is a rich, flavorful, and aromatic stew that originates from Eritrea and Ethiopia. This hearty dish is primarily made up of beef and a variety of spices, including berbere, which gives it a unique and robust flavor. The beef is slow-cooked until it's tender, and the spices are well-blended into the tomato-based sauce, resulting in a stew that is incredibly satisfying and delicious. Served with flatbread, Zigni makes for a delightful main course that is sure to impress. This recipe will guide you through the steps needed to make this traditional African stew right at home. The process might take a bit of time, but the end result is definitely worth the wait! So, roll up your sleeves, prepare your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Common questions

  1. What is berbere spice? Berbere spice is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend that typically includes chili peppers, paprika, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, and various other spices. It adds a unique and flavorful kick to the zigni.
  2. Can I use a different meat? While the traditional zigni recipe uses beef, you can certainly use other meats such as lamb or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.
  3. Is zigni spicy? Yes, zigni is typically a spicy dish due to the use of berbere spice. However, you can adjust the amount of spice according to your taste preferences by reducing or increasing the amount of berbere spice used.
  4. Can I make zigni in advance? Yes, zigni actually tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it in advance and reheat it before serving.
  5. What can I serve with zigni? Zigni is often served with injera, which is a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. If injera is not readily available, you can serve zigni with other flatbreads or even rice.
  6. Can I freeze leftover zigni? Yes, you can freeze leftover zigni in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for cooking the zigni and allowing space for simmering
  • Cutting board - for chopping the onions, garlic, ginger, and beef
  • Knife - for cutting the beef into chunks and chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger
  • Wooden spoon - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring the tomato puree and beef broth
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the spices
  • Serving platter - for presenting the zigni
  • Flatbread basket - for serving the zigni with flatbread
  • Tablespoons - for adding the clarified butter (ghee) to the pot

Origin stories

Zigni, a spicy stew featuring tender pieces of beef and a distinct blend of spices, is a traditional dish in Eritrea and Ethiopia. Its signature flavor comes from berbere, a spice mixture common in East African cooking that includes chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and several other spices. The dish reflects the region's ancient trading routes and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its culinary traditions over many centuries. The use of ghee in zigni, for example, harks back to the Indian influences brought about by spice traders. This hearty and warming stew is often enjoyed with injera or another type of flatbread, which serves as a utensil in traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian dining. To truly experience the rich heritage of this part of East Africa, one must savor a plate of zigni, allowing its complex flavors to tell a story that is centuries old.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.