Tegelese Tesmi

Tegelese Tesmi Recipe from Eritrea | Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Water, Onions, Garlic, Ginger

Region / culture: Eritrea | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tegelese Tesmi is a traditional Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that is commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine to add flavor and richness to dishes. This aromatic butter is infused with onions, garlic, and ginger, giving it a unique and delicious taste.

History

Tegelese Tesmi has been a staple in Ethiopian cooking for centuries. It is often used in dishes such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and kitfo (minced raw beef). The process of clarifying butter and infusing it with spices is a common cooking technique in Ethiopian cuisine.

Ingredients

200 g unsalted butter
0.1 liter of water
2 small onions, shredded
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tsp ginger, shredded

How to prepare

Place the butter and water in a frying pan and heat them until the butter has melted.
Add the remaining ingredients and simmer the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes, until the mixture stops skimming and the butter becomes clear.
Avoid stirring the mixture.
Strain the butter and let it cool in a tightly sealed jar.

Variations

Add additional spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, or turmeric for a different flavor profile.
Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the butter mixture over low heat to prevent it from burning.

- Avoid stirring the mixture while it is simmering to allow the butter to clarify properly.

- Strain the butter through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids before storing it in a jar.

Serving Suggestions

Tegelese Tesmi can be used as a cooking fat in Ethiopian dishes or as a spread on bread or toast.

Cooking Techniques

Clarifying butter

- Infusing butter with spices

Ingredient Substitutions

Ghee can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Shallots can be used instead of onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Tegelese Tesmi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tegelese Tesmi in a small jar or dish with a spoon for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Tegelese Tesmi pairs well with traditional Ethiopian dishes such as doro wat, kitfo, and injera (Ethiopian flatbread).

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Tegelese Tesmi in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before using.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Tegelese Tesmi contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Tegelese Tesmi contains minimal carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The main source of calories in Tegelese Tesmi comes from fats, particularly from the butter used in the recipe.

Proteins

Tegelese Tesmi does not contain a significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The onions, garlic, and ginger used in Tegelese Tesmi provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Alergens

Tegelese Tesmi contains dairy (butter), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Tegelese Tesmi is a flavorful clarified butter infused with onions, garlic, and ginger. It is low in carbohydrates, high in fats, and contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tegelese Tesmi is a delicious Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that adds flavor and richness to dishes. It is easy to make and can be stored for future use. Enjoy this aromatic butter in your favorite Ethiopian recipes!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah, who had just returned from a trip to Ethiopia. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with traditional Ethiopian recipes, and as she flipped through the pages, one particular dish caught my eye - Tegelese Tesmi.

Sarah explained to me that Tegelese Tesmi is a spicy tomato and onion stew that is typically served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. The flavors of the stew are rich and vibrant, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. I could practically taste it just reading the ingredients list.

I asked Sarah if she would teach me how to make Tegelese Tesmi, and she eagerly agreed. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping onions, tomatoes, and garlic, and simmering them together with a blend of spices that filled the air with a tantalizing aroma. As we stirred the stew, Sarah shared stories of her time in Ethiopia and the meals she had enjoyed there. I was captivated by the sense of tradition and community that surrounded Ethiopian food.

After a few hours of cooking, the Tegelese Tesmi was ready. We sat down at the table, tearing off pieces of injera and scooping up the stew with our hands. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tangy tomatoes, the spicy chili peppers, the aromatic spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a beloved part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Tegelese Tesmi countless times, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I add extra chili peppers for a fiery kick, or a dollop of yogurt to cool things down. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Sarah's kitchen, learning a new and exotic dish that would become a cherished favorite.

I have shared the recipe for Tegelese Tesmi with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Ethiopian cooking to those around me. It brings me joy to see others discover the flavors of this vibrant cuisine and incorporate them into their own meals.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first saw the recipe for Tegelese Tesmi, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook. Food has the power to connect us to different cultures and experiences, and I am proud to have added this delicious dish to my repertoire. I will continue to explore new recipes and flavors, seeking out the stories and traditions behind each one. And who knows - perhaps one day, I will pass on the recipe for Tegelese Tesmi to a new generation of cooks, continuing the legacy of delicious food and shared experiences.