Niter Kebbeh
Infuse your culinary creations with the rich, aromatic flavors of Ethiopia by making Niter Kebbeh, a spiced clarified butter that elevates any dish it touches. This recipe transforms unsalted butter into a golden treasure by simmering it slowly with a symphony of spices, including turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and fenugreek seeds, along with aromatic onion, garlic, and ginger. The low-and-slow cooking process infuses the butter with deeply complex flavors while removing milk solids for a smooth, shelf-stable finish. Perfect for sautéing, stewing, or as an essential base in Ethiopian cuisine, this versatile condiment adds unparalleled depth and warmth to your favorite recipes. With just 5 minutes of prep and simple steps, Niter Kebbeh is your secret to creating bold, authentic African-inspired flavors at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 454 grams unsalted butter
- 1 small (chopped) onion
- 3 smashed garlic cloves
- 1 2-inch piece (peeled and sliced) fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 4 whole cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons fenugreek seeds
- 0.5 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
Instructions
Place the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and allow it to melt slowly without boiling.
Once melted, skim off the foam that rises to the surface with a spoon to begin clarifying the butter.
Add the chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, sliced ginger, and all the spices (turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, fenugreek seeds, and black peppercorns) into the melted butter.
Keep the butter on low heat and allow it to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The butter should take on a rich golden color and absorb all the aromatic flavors.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, heatproof container to separate the solids from the clarified butter.
Discard the solids and store the Niter Kebbeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for longer storage.
Use as a rich cooking fat for sautéing, stewing, or as a base in Ethiopian recipes for added depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3444 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 391.4 g | 502% | |
| Saturated Fat | 227.5 g | 1138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1005 mg | 335% | |
| Sodium | 96 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 7.4 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 228 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 646 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
