Niter Kibbeh

Name: Niter Kibbeh
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Ingredients: 1 lb unsalted butter; 3 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced; 8 garlic cloves, crushed; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 cardamom pods, crushed; 4 whole cloves; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves; 1/8 tsp black pepper

Spiced clarified butter infused with ginger, garlic, and warming spices. The foundation of Ethiopian cooking, fragrant and deeply flavorful.

25 minEasyServes 8190 cal/serving

EthiopianSauceStovetopVegetarianGluten-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb unsalted butter
3 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cardamom pods, crushed
4 whole cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves
1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Melt 1 lb unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2

Add 1/2 chopped onion, 3 tbsp sliced fresh ginger, and 8 crushed garlic cloves to the butter.
3

Add 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 4 whole cloves, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
4

Stir gently and simmer over very low heat for 10-12 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse without browning the milk solids too much.
5

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6

Carefully pour the infused butter through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, leaving the solids behind.
7

Transfer the clarified butter to a clean glass jar.
8

Store at room temperature for up to 1 month, or refrigerate for up to 3 months.

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Questions

How long does Niter Kibbeh take?

As written, 25 minutes: 10 of prep and 15 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (12 minutes): "Stir gently and simmer over very low heat for 10-12 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse without browning the milk solids too much."

What equipment do I need for Niter Kibbeh?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses cheesecloth (step 6) and a fine-mesh sieve (step 6). If you do not have one, a clean thin dish towel replaces the cheesecloth.

Is there a substitute for dried fenugreek leaves in Niter Kibbeh?

The entry for Niter Kibbeh calls for 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves. In its place: A little celery leaf with a pinch of fennel seed, or simply leave it out. The flavor is distinctive and the dish still works without it.

Can I make Niter Kibbeh dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Niter Kibbeh is 1 lb unsalted butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Niter Kibbeh vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1 lb unsalted butter. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan sauce collection.

How many calories are in Niter Kibbeh?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 190 calories, with 0 g protein, 1 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat, plus 95 mg sodium.

Can I make Niter Kibbeh ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate Niter Kibbeh in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

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