🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Kitfo
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA refined and highly prized Ethiopian dish consisting of minced, lean beef marinated in spiced butter and mitmita spice blend. It is often served rare or lightly warmed.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Finely mince 500g of very lean beef, removing all gristle and fat to ensure a buttery texture.
- 2
Finely dice 3 medium onions and sauté in a dry pan until they turn golden brown, creating a sweet base.
- 3
Add 4 tbsp of niter kibbeh to a pan, melting it over low heat, and stir in 2 tbsp of mitmita powder and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 4
Place the minced beef in a large bowl and pour the warm, spiced butter mixture directly over the meat.
- 5
Add 1 tsp of grated ginger and 1 tsp salt, mixing thoroughly with clean hands to fully incorporate the flavors.
- 6
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning—traditionally, this dish is served quite spicy.
- 7
Serve immediately on a platter, often alongside gomen (collard greens) and ayib (fresh cheese).
- 8
Ensure the meat is sourced from a very high-quality, fresh butcher to safely consume it at the preferred traditional temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kitfo?+
Kitfo is a classic Ethiopian specialty consisting of finely minced raw beef seasoned with niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) and mitmita (a very hot chili powder blend). It is considered a celebratory dish.
Is Kitfo supposed to be served raw?+
Yes, traditionally it is served raw, but it can be cooked 'leb leb' (lightly warmed) if preferred.
Where can I buy mitmita?+
Mitmita is an Ethiopian spice blend found in specialty African markets or online; it is significantly hotter than berbere.
Can I use ground beef from the supermarket?+
It is not recommended due to safety concerns; always use high-quality, fresh-cut lean beef meant for tartare-style consumption.
What is the best side dish for Kitfo?+
Ayib, an Ethiopian fresh soft cheese, is the perfect side to balance the intense heat and richness of the meat.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
