🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Siga Wat
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA deeply flavorful, spicy beef stew that showcases the complexity of Ethiopian spice blends. This slow-cooked dish is a staple of celebratory feasts and is traditionally served atop injera.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Finely dice 4 onions and cook them in a dry heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for 20 minutes until they lose their moisture and start turning golden.
- 2
Add 100g of niter kibbeh to the pot, stir well, and continue to sauté until the onions are soft and aromatic.
- 3
Mix in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger; cook for 2 minutes being careful not to let the aromatics brown.
- 4
Stir in 3 tbsp of berbere spice, coating the onions thoroughly, and fry for 3 minutes to unlock the oils in the spice blend.
- 5
Add 800g of cubed beef, tossing until every piece is well-coated with the spice base.
- 6
Pour in 250ml of water, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low.
- 7
Simmer the stew for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the bottom doesn't stick and the meat becomes fork-tender.
- 8
Check the seasoning, adding 1 tsp salt if needed, then let the stew rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving with fresh injera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Siga Wat?+
Siga Wat is an Ethiopian beef stew seasoned with berbere spice and clarified butter. It is traditionally served during holidays or special occasions as a central part of the communal meal.
What is the best cut of beef for Siga Wat?+
Use a cut with some marbling, like chuck roast, which stands up well to long, slow simmering.
Can I make this dish without Niter Kibbeh?+
While Niter Kibbeh is traditional, you can substitute it with ghee or butter infused with spices like cardamom and cloves.
How long should the onions cook?+
The onions should cook until they are very soft and nearly melted, which provides the rich base for the sauce.
Is it supposed to be very spicy?+
Siga Wat is typically medium to hot due to the berbere; you can adjust the quantity of the spice blend to control the heat levels.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
