🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Shimbra Asa
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA unique Ethiopian dish where chickpea flour dumplings are shaped to resemble small pieces of fish, then stewed in a spicy, flavorful sauce. It is a creative and hearty vegan alternative often enjoyed during fasting.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Combine 200g of chickpea flour with enough water to form a firm dough, then shape into small, fish-like ovals.
- 2
Steam the chickpea 'fish' pieces in a steamer basket for 10 minutes until they are firm to the touch.
- 3
While steaming, chop 2 onions finely and sauté in 2 tbsp of oil in a pan until deeply caramelized.
- 4
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp of berbere, cooking for 2 minutes to create a rich, spicy base.
- 5
Add 100ml of water to the pan to form a sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Gently place the steamed chickpea dumplings into the spicy sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
- 7
Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the dumplings to absorb the flavors of the berbere sauce.
- 8
Finish by stirring in 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp of salt before serving warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shimbra Asa?+
Shimbra Asa is an ingenious Ethiopian vegetarian dish where spiced chickpea flour dough is shaped like fish and cooked in a spicy stew. 'Shimbra' refers to chickpeas, and 'Asa' means fish, denoting the visual mimicry.
Why is it called fish?+
The chickpea flour dumplings are molded into small shapes that resemble fish, and the dish is traditionally consumed during religious fasting periods when meat and fish are forbidden.
Can I use store-bought dumplings?+
It is best to make the dough from scratch with chickpea flour to ensure the correct texture, which should be slightly firm and dense.
Is it completely vegan?+
Yes, Shimbra Asa is a plant-based dish made with chickpeas, spices, and aromatics, making it perfectly suitable for a vegan diet.
How do I make the dough firm?+
Use minimal water when kneading the chickpea flour to ensure the dough remains manageable and doesn't get too sticky or soft.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
