Ethiopia | Sauces & Oils | Butter

Niter Kibbeh

(Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)

Yield: About 2 cups


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Butter, unsalted 1 lb
Onion chopped 1/2 each
Garlic crushed 2-3 cloves
Gingerroot 1/4" slices 2-3 pieces
Cardamom pods 3-4 each
Cinnamon stick 1 each
Cloves 3-4 each
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek seeds 1 tsp

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Simmer → Pour off → Strain
  1. Place butter to a small saucepan and melt over low heat. Add all other ingredients and simmer on lowest possible heat for about 1 hour.
  2. Pour the clear golden liquid off the top leaving all solids in the bottom of the pan. Strain through cheesecloth if necessary. Discard solids.
  3. Store in the refrigerator or freezer and use as needed.

VARIATIONS

  • For a lower cholesterol version, substitute 2 cups of vegetable oil or a combination of oil and butter.
  • The spices and amounts are not set in stone, so don't worry if you don't have all of them.

NOTES

  • Niter kibbeh is a ubiquitous cooking medium in Ethiopian cuisine. It adds an incomparable flavor to dishes. Plain butter or oil can be substituted in Ethiopian recipes if you don't have the time to make niter kibbeh.