Dorowat

Dorowat Recipe - Spicy Ethiopian Chicken Dish

Region / culture: Ethiopia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dorowat is a traditional Ethiopian chicken stew that is rich in flavor and spices. This dish is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

History

Dorowat has a long history in Ethiopian culture and is considered to be the national dish of the country. It is believed to have originated in the northern region of Ethiopia and has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of tomato sauce
0.25 cup of paprika
0.25 cup of dry red wine
1 tbsp of grated ginger root
1 tsp of red pepper
0.13 tsp of ground cardamom
0.13 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.13 tsp of ground clove
0.13 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp of ground allspice
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp of cooking oil
0.5 tsp of ground turmeric
3 lb (1.36 kg) of broiler chicken, cut up
0.25 cup of dry red wine

How to prepare

To make the red pepper sauce, combine tomato sauce, paprika, 0.25 cup of red wine, grated ginger root, red pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice.
Set the red pepper sauce aside.
In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in hot oil until the onion is tender but not brown.
Stir in the red pepper sauce, turmeric, and 1 tsp of salt.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
Spoon the onion mixture over the chicken pieces and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Stir in 0.25 cup of dry red wine.
Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, turning the chicken pieces often.
Skim off any fat.
Serve with Ethiopian flat bread (or pita).

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
You can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.

Notes

The highly spiced hot red pepper sauce is called " berbere' " which is the characteristic flavor of many eEthiopian dishes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onions and garlic until they are tender but not browned to avoid a bitter taste in the stew.

- Be sure to skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the stew during cooking to reduce the overall fat content.

- Turning the chicken pieces often while cooking will ensure that they are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Dorowat is traditionally served with Ethiopian flatbread, known as injera. It can also be served with rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Dorowat is to simmer the chicken in the flavorful sauce for an extended period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spices listed in the recipe, you can use a pre-made Ethiopian spice blend as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Dorowat can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dorowat in a large serving dish with a side of injera or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Dorowat pairs well with a crisp salad or a side of sautéed greens. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Dorowat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dorowat contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Dorowat is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Dorowat contains about 15 grams of fat, primarily from the cooking oil and chicken.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing around 30 grams of protein from the chicken.

Vitamins and minerals

Dorowat is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the spices used in the dish such as ginger, paprika, and turmeric.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and onions, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Dorowat is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Dorowat is a flavorful and aromatic Ethiopian chicken stew that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. With a rich blend of spices and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Ethiopia. My mother had invited a group of friends over for a dinner party, and I remember watching in awe as she prepared a dish called Dorowat. The rich aroma of spices filled the air, and I could tell that this was a special recipe.

As I watched my mother cook, I asked her where she had learned to make Dorowat. She told me that the recipe had been passed down from generation to generation in our family, and that she had learned it from her own mother. I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe being passed down like a precious heirloom, and I knew that I wanted to learn how to make Dorowat myself.

Over the years, I watched my mother make Dorowat countless times. I learned the importance of patience and attention to detail, as she explained the subtleties of the recipe to me. Each ingredient had to be added at just the right moment, and the spices had to be toasted to perfection. I took notes in my mind, determined to one day master this beloved dish.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe on my own. I added a pinch of this, a dash of that, trying to recreate the flavors that I remembered from my childhood. I sought out advice from friends and family members, asking for their input on how to improve my version of Dorowat. Slowly but surely, my own recipe began to take shape.

One day, I decided to host a dinner party of my own and serve Dorowat to my guests. I was nervous as I prepared the dish, worried that it wouldn't live up to the memories of my mother's cooking. But as the aroma of spices filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had finally mastered the recipe for Dorowat.

When my guests arrived, they were greeted by the delicious smell of the simmering stew. I served the Dorowat with a side of injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. As they took their first bites, I watched with bated breath, hoping that they would enjoy the dish as much as I did.

To my delight, the compliments came pouring in. My guests raved about the flavors, the tenderness of the chicken, and the complexity of the spices. They asked me for the recipe, wanting to recreate the dish in their own homes. I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had successfully shared a piece of my culture with others.

As the years passed, I continued to make Dorowat for my family and friends, always striving to perfect my recipe. I added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different spices and cooking techniques. But no matter how many times I made Dorowat, the memories of watching my mother cook it for the first time remained close to my heart.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Dorowat to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have. I hope that they will appreciate the tradition and history behind this dish, and that they will take the time to perfect it in their own kitchens. And most of all, I hope that they will remember the love and care that goes into making a dish like Dorowat, and the joy that comes from sharing it with others.