Eritrean Spiced Beef Zigni Recipe

Eritrean Spiced Beef Zigni

Delve into the rich tapestry of Eritrean cuisine with this Spiced Beef Zigni, a beautifully aromatic stew, where tender beef meets the intense flavors of berbere spice, tomatoes, and ginger. This dish is a celebration of the Eritrean culinary heritage, perfect for those who enjoy a spice-laden, deeply satisfying meal. This Zigni is a culinary journey to the heart of Eritrea, where warmth and spices come together to create a symphony of flavors.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 40 minutes, Cooking Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients

• 300 grams of beef, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of berbere spice mix
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 300 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until golden.
• Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the berbere spice and cook for another minute, ensuring the spices do not burn.
• Add the tomato paste, tomatoes, and bay leaf, and cook until the tomatoes are softened.
• Add the diced beef, water, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
• Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley to add freshness.
• Serve with a side of aromatic rice or fresh bread to soak up the rich and spicy sauce.

Tips

• Let the stew simmer slowly to ensure the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust the berbere spice to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.

Nutritional Information