Tsebhi Sega

Tsebhi Sega Recipe - Authentic Eritrean Dish with Beef and Aromatic Spices

Region / culture: Eritrea | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tsebhi Sega is a traditional Ethiopian dish that features tender shredded lamb cooked in a flavorful sauce made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This dish is typically served with injera, a spongy flatbread that is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

History

Tsebhi Sega has been a staple in Ethiopian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The dish is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, as it is considered a hearty and comforting meal that brings people together.

Ingredients

2 medium-sized onions, chopped
2 tbsp sunflower or other vegetable oil
50 cc chili paste (berbere)
50 cc zeTekhelese tesmi (spiced butter)
1 tsp chopped ginger
1 tsp chopped garlic
6 large tomatoes, skinned
1 kg beef or lamb, shredded
pepper and salt to taste

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onions until they turn light golden.
Add the berbere and the tegelese tesmi, and if necessary, add some water. Simmer it on low heat.
After 10 minutes, add the ginger and garlic. After another 5 minutes, add the sliced skinned tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
After 15 minutes, add the meat and simmer until the meat is cooked through.
Add some water if needed. Serve with injera.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the lamb with chickpeas or lentils.
Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are light golden to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of berbere and spiced butter to suit your taste preferences.

- Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, complex taste.

- Shred the lamb into small pieces for a tender and succulent texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tsebhi Sega with injera and a side of fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the sauce slowly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find berbere, you can use a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and other spices to create a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tsebhi Sega can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tsebhi Sega with a side of traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera, lentils, and vegetable stews.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tsebhi Sega is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

Alergens

Allergens: None

Summary

Tsebhi Sega is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tsebhi Sega is a delicious and nutritious Ethiopian dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its rich flavors and tender meat, 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, back in my youth, when I first tasted the delightful flavors of Tsebhi Sega. I was visiting a friend in Ethiopia, and she invited me to her home for dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of spices filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

My friend, Amina, was busy preparing a traditional Ethiopian dish called Tsebhi Sega, which is a spicy beef stew cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of fragrant spices. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be captivated by the way she effortlessly combined ingredients to create a dish that was both comforting and flavorful.

I asked Amina if she would teach me how to make Tsebhi Sega, and she graciously agreed. She showed me how to marinate the beef in a mixture of berbere spice blend, garlic, and vinegar, and then slowly simmer it with onions and tomatoes until it was tender and full of flavor. The key, she said, was to let the stew cook low and slow, allowing the spices to meld together and create a rich, aromatic sauce.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite of the Tsebhi Sega, and I was instantly transported back to my childhood. The flavors were familiar yet exotic, a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that danced on my tongue. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I set out to recreate Amina's Tsebhi Sega in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients, including the berbere spice blend that I had brought back from Ethiopia, and set to work. As the stew simmered on the stove, the familiar aroma of cumin, cardamom, and fenugreek filled my kitchen, and I knew that I had captured the essence of Amina's recipe.

Over the years, I have made Tsebhi Sega countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add more garlic for extra flavor, or a touch of honey to balance out the heat of the spices. But no matter how I choose to make it, the dish always brings me back to that fateful night in Amina's kitchen, where I first fell in love with Ethiopian cuisine.

I have shared the recipe for Tsebhi Sega with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. It gives me great joy to see my loved ones gathered around the table, enjoying a meal that I learned to make so many years ago. And as I watch them savor each bite, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.

So, the next time you're craving a taste of Ethiopia, why not try your hand at making Tsebhi Sega? It may just become a cherished recipe in your own kitchen, a reminder of the bonds that food can create and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those you love.