Tekhelese Tesmi

Tekhelese Tesmi Recipe from Eritrea | Ingredients & Instructions

Region / culture: Eritrea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Tekhelese 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 made by simmering unsalted butter with onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices until the milk solids separate and the butter becomes clear. Tekhelese Tesmi is a staple ingredient in Ethiopian cooking and adds a unique depth of flavor to dishes.

History

Tekhelese Tesmi has been a part of Ethiopian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The process of clarifying butter with spices is a common practice in many cultures around the world, but in Ethiopia, Tekhelese Tesmi is a key component in traditional dishes such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and kitfo (minced raw beef). The rich, aromatic flavor of Tekhelese Tesmi adds a distinctive taste to Ethiopian cuisine and is a beloved ingredient in many households.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 onion, coarsely chopped
3 tbsp minced garlic
4 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
2 tsp ground turmeric
0.25 tsp ground cardamom
1 cinnamon stick (approximately 1" long)
1 whole clove
0.13 tsp ground nutmeg

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, melt the butter slowly over medium heat without browning it.
Next, bring the melted butter to a boil.
Add the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to the saucepan and stir well.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 45 minutes without stirring.
The milk solids at the bottom of the pan should turn golden brown, while the butter on top becomes transparent.
Carefully pour the clear liquid into a bowl, using a cheesecloth to strain out any solids.
Make sure no solids remain in the tesmi.
Transfer the tesmi into a jar.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Use ghee (clarified butter) instead of unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander, or fenugreek for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to melt the butter slowly over low heat to prevent it from browning.

- Do not stir the mixture while it is simmering to allow the milk solids to separate from the clear butter.

- Use a cheesecloth to strain out any solids from the tesmi before transferring it to a jar.

- Store the tesmi in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tekhelese Tesmi drizzled over injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or mixed into stews and sauces for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly melt the butter over low heat to prevent browning.

- Simmer the mixture without stirring to allow the milk solids to separate from the clear butter.

- Use a cheesecloth to strain out any solids before transferring the tesmi to a jar.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee (clarified butter) instead of unsalted butter.

- Substitute ground spices for fresh if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Transfer the Tekhelese Tesmi to a decorative jar or container for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tekhelese Tesmi with traditional Ethiopian dishes such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or kitfo (minced raw beef).

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Tekhelese Tesmi in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. To reheat, simply melt the tesmi slowly over low heat until it becomes liquid again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tekhelese Tesmi contains 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tekhelese Tesmi contains 0 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tekhelese Tesmi contains 22 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tekhelese Tesmi contains 0 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tekhelese Tesmi is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin E.

Alergens

Tekhelese Tesmi contains dairy (butter).

Summary

Tekhelese Tesmi is a rich and flavorful butter that is low in carbohydrates and protein but high in fat. It is a good source of vitamins A and E, making it a nutritious addition to your diet in moderation.

Summary

Tekhelese Tesmi is a traditional Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that adds a rich and aromatic flavor to dishes. With its blend of spices and creamy texture, Tekhelese Tesmi is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to enhance their flavor. Enjoy this flavorful butter drizzled over injera or mixed into stews and sauces for a taste of Ethiopian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Selamawit in her cozy little home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Selamawit was an excellent cook, and every time I visited her, she would always prepare the most delicious meals for me.

On that particular day, as we sat in her kitchen chatting and sipping on some freshly brewed coffee, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She returned with a small, worn-out notebook in her hand and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Have you ever tried Tekhelese Tesmi before?" she asked, flipping through the pages of her notebook.

I shook my head, curious to learn more about this mysterious dish.

"It's a traditional Ethiopian dish made with lentils, garlic, and spices. My grandmother used to make it for me when I was a little girl, and it's still one of my absolute favorites," Selamawit explained as she handed me the notebook.

As I read through the recipe, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The combination of flavors and spices sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to try making it myself. Selamawit saw the excitement in my eyes and offered to teach me how to make Tekhelese Tesmi from scratch.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering lentils, and toasting spices. Selamawit guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing tips and tricks passed down from generations of Ethiopian cooks.

As the dish started to come together, the aroma of garlic, cumin, and turmeric filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

Finally, after hours of cooking, Selamawit and I sat down at her dining table, each with a steaming bowl of Tekhelese Tesmi in front of us. The first bite was pure bliss – the lentils were tender, the spices were perfectly balanced, and the garlic added a bold kick to the dish.

I closed my eyes and savored the flavors, transported back to my childhood in Ethiopia, where food was not just a source of nourishment but a celebration of culture and tradition.

From that day on, Tekhelese Tesmi became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family, friends, and anyone who was curious to try a taste of Ethiopia. Each time I cooked the dish, I would think of Selamawit and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen that summer day.

Over the years, I've made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. But the heart and soul of Tekhelese Tesmi remain the same – a humble yet flavorful dish that brings people together and tells a story of tradition and love.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Tekhelese Tesmi for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this recipe to the next generation. I hope that they will treasure it as much as I do and that it will continue to bring joy and connection to our family for years to come.

In the end, I am grateful for that fateful day in Selamawit's kitchen, where I discovered the magic of Tekhelese Tesmi and the power of food to bridge cultures, create memories, and nourish the soul.