🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Keema
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA flavorful and robust Ethiopian-style spiced minced beef dish. It features caramelized onions and a bold spice blend that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply aromatic meal served on injera.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Finely dice 2 large onions, as they must melt into a smooth base for this dish.
- 2
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the onions without oil, adding small splashes of water if they stick, until deep brown, about 15 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 2 tablespoons of niter kibbeh, allowing it to melt and combine with the onions.
- 4
Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ginger, and 2 tablespoons of berbere, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook the spices.
- 5
Add 500g of minced beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure there are no large clumps.
- 6
Sauté the meat over medium-high heat until it is fully browned and has absorbed the spiced oil, about 10 minutes.
- 7
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and reduce the heat to low, covering the pan to let the flavors meld for 10 minutes.
- 8
Check the moisture; if too dry, add a tiny bit of water or more butter, ensuring the final dish is moist and rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keema?+
Keema (often referred to locally as Qey Minchet Abish) is an Ethiopian spiced minced beef dish characterized by its intense flavor from berbere and long-cooked onions. It is a hearty and common staple of Ethiopian dining.
How fine should the meat be?+
The meat should be finely minced so that the texture is almost like a thick sauce; ask your butcher for a fine grind.
Can I replace niter kibbeh?+
While it changes the authentic profile, you can use high-quality butter, but it will lack the specific aromatic depth of the spiced variety.
Why cook the onions so long?+
Long-cooking the onions creates a natural sweetness and thickening agent that provides the body of the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?+
The spiciness depends on your berbere; adjust the quantity if you prefer a milder taste, but it is meant to be a bold and warm dish.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
