Description
Ethiopian Shiro Wat is a flavorful and comforting chickpea stew, richly spiced with Berbere and cooked to a smooth, thick consistency. Perfectly served with traditional injera or rice, this vegan and gluten-free dish brings the authentic taste of Ethiopia to your table with simple ingredients and easy stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons Berbere spice mix (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (shiro flour)
- 2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Injera or rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and soft.
- Add garlic, ginger, and Berbere spice: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger along with 2-3 tablespoons of Berbere spice mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the fragrance and flavor of the spices.
- Whisk in chickpea flour: Gradually whisk the chickpea flour into the spiced onion mixture, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to toast the flour lightly.
- Add liquid to form stew: Slowly pour in the water or vegetable broth while whisking continuously. This helps create a smooth and lump-free consistency.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens to a creamy texture.
- Season and adjust spices: Add salt to taste and adjust the amount of Berbere spice if desired for more heat or flavor.
- Serve: Serve the hot Shiro Wat garnished with fresh cilantro if using. Enjoy it traditionally with injera or alternatively with rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Adjust Berbere spice quantity to control the heat level of the stew.
- Use vegetable broth for a richer flavor or water for a lighter base.
- Make sure to whisk the chickpea flour well to prevent lumps in the stew.
- This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- Shiro Wat thickens as it cools; add a bit more broth or water if reheating and it becomes too thick.
