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19 Popular Ethiopian Main Dishes
Ethiopian cuisine is a true delight for food enthusiasts around the world. Known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse ingredients, Ethiopian main dishes offer a culinary experience like no other.
From savory stews to grilled meats and hearty vegetarian options, Ethiopian cuisine caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the popular Ethiopian main dishes that have captivated palates and gained international recognition.
Shiro (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateOne of Ethiopia’s most beloved dishes, Shiro served with injera is an essential part of Ethiopian cuisine. Even though there are some versions of Shiro that include meat, this recipe does not and is thus a vegan dish. Enjoy!
Alicha Shiro Wot (Ethiopian Mild Chickpea Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateAlicha Shiro Wot is a mild variation of the Shiro Wot (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew) dish; the main differenc being the turmeric spice which gives this dish a milder taste and light-yeloowish look. Here is a simple recipe that you can follow to easily make Alicha Shiro Wot at home.
Misir Kik Wot (Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateMisir Kik Wot, which is Ethiopian red lentil stew, is one of the most popular vegan/vegetarian dishes in Ethiopian cuisine – even though some versions of the dish add meat. It is a tasty lentil dish enriched with the flavor of Berbere. Learn how to make Misir Kik Wot by using this simple recipe, where you’ll find all of the ingredients you need to make this traditional Ethiopian dish along with all the necessary directions.
Asa Kitfo (Fish Steak Tartar) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateOne of the most popular fish dishes in Ethiopia is Asa Kitfo. It is a delicious appetizer dish made from fresh fish mixed with spices that give it a uniquely Ethiopian taste. Here is a simple recipe that you can follow to make Asa Kitfo at home.
YeBeg Wot (Ethiopian Lamb Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 65 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateYeBeg Wot is a popular Ethiopian lamb stew that is usually prepared during holidays similar to Doro Wat (Ethiopian chicken stew). It is also not too difficult to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Alicha Doro Wot (Ethiopian Yellow Chicken Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 90 minutesDifficulty: AdvancedAlicha Doro Wot is the gentler variation of the most popular Ethiopian dish, the Doro Wot, where the spicy berbere spice is swapped out for a mellow turmeric sauce that is infused with ginger and garlic. This authentically Ethiopian chicken stew is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Doro Wot (Ethiopian Chicken Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: AdvancedDoro Wot, which is the flagship dish of Ethiopia, is a stew of chicken and hard-boiled eggs. The key to an authentic and delicious Doro Wot is a quality Berbere spice blend, and a slow cooking time required for the dish to properly develop.
Alicha Siga Wot (Ethiopian Yellow Beef Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 60 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateAlicha Siga Wot, or Ethiopian Yellow Beef Stew, is one of the most popular dishes with a unique blend of spices, flavors, and cooking techniques that have been passed down over generations. Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also simple to make! If you’ve never tried Alicha Siga Wot before, you owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try!
YeAter Alicha Kik Wot (Ethiopian Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew) Recipe
Cooks in 60 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateYeAter Alicha Kik Wot is a delicious and wholesome Ethiopian dish that is traditionally made with yellow split peas, onions, garlic, ginger root, and turmeric. This recipe for YeAter Alicha Kik Wot is full of flavor and simple to make with readily available ingredients. Moreover, even though it is a vegetarian dish, YeAter Alicha Kik Wot provides plenty of protein and nutrition. So, follow this recipe, make yourself a delicious YeAter Alicha Kik Wot , and enjoy!
Kitfo Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyKitfo is a beloved beef dish in Ethiopia. Learn how to make Kitfo by using this simple recipe. Here you will learn about all the ingredients you will need to make every simple version of this traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Quanta Firfir Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateQuanta Firfir is a variation of the popular Firfir family that can be eaten for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. But what makes Quanta Firfir truly unique is the Quanta, which is dried meat similar to beef jerky.
Kik Wot Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyLearn how to make Kik Wot by using this simple recipe from Ethiopian Food Guide. Here you will learn about all the ingredients you will need to make this traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Tibs (Ethiopian Stir Fried Beef) Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: AdvancedLearn how to make an authentic Ethiopian dish by using our Tibs Recipe. Here you will find all the ingredients you will need to make Tibs, a popular traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Zilzil Tibs Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateLearn how to make an authentic Ethiopian dish by using our Zilzil Tibs Recipe. Here you will find all the ingredients you will need to make this traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Key Wot Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateLearn how to make Key Wot by using this simple recipe from Ethiopian Food Guide. Here you will learn about all the ingredients you will need to make this traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Kikil Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateKikil is a mild stew made with lamb and potatoes. In some ways, it is similar to Alicha Wot but Kikil is more of a thinner watery stew. Learn how to make Kikil by using this simple beginner-friendly recipe.
Alicha Wot Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateHere are some easy-to-follow directions for a tasty meat-based Ethiopian meal – Alicha Wot, also known as Yebeg Alicha. It is a great choice for people that find berbere upsetting to their stomachs.
Minchet Abish Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: IntermediateMinchet Abish is a beef stew made from ground beef meat. And in this recipe, you will learn how to make this unique Ethiopian dish. Here you will find all the ingredients you will need along with step-by-step directions to make the dish.
Gored Gored Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyLearn how to make Gored Gored by using this simple recipe from Ethiopian Food Guide. Here you will learn about all the ingredients you will need to make this traditional Ethiopian dish with all the necessary directions.
Ethiopian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures, and its main dishes truly shine as a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a fan of meaty stews, spicy delicacies, or hearty vegetarian options, Ethiopian cuisine offers something for everyone.
From the fiery delights of Doro Wot to the comforting flavors of Shiro and the succulent Tibs, these main dishes showcase the diverse and vibrant nature of Ethiopian cooking. So, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Addis Ababa or dining at an Ethiopian restaurant in a faraway land, be sure to indulge in these popular Ethiopian main dishes and immerse yourself in the irresistible flavors of this remarkable cuisine.
