Eritrean Chili Recipe

Background

Eritrean Chili, a robust and aromatic dish, is deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the Horn of Africa. Originating from Eritrea, this dish combines spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that reflect the diverse influences of African, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Eritrean cooking often features a medley of spices, and chili is no exception. Traditionally, chili is enjoyed as a hearty meal or a complement to flatbreads or rice.

Ingredients

To recreate this flavor-packed dish, you'll need the following ingredients. Make sure to click on the links to learn more about each ingredient and its availability:

• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Green Chili - 2, chopped
• Tomato - 4, pureed
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
• Ground Beef - 500 grams
• Red Bell Pepper - 1, diced
• Berbere Spice - 2 tablespoons
• Ground Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 0.5 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Kidney Beans - 400 grams, drained and rinsed
• Coriander Leaves - for garnishing

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Puree the tomatos and dice the red bell pepper.

2. Rinse and drain the kidney beans.

Cooking Process

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

3. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.

4. Add the tomato paste, berbere spice, ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon to the pot. Mix well to coat the beef and release the spices' aromas.

5. Pour in the pureed tomatos and add the red bell pepper. Stir to combine.

6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time.

8. After 30 minutes, add the kidney beans to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

10. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Eritrean Chili is traditionally served with thick flatbreads like Injera or soft, warm rice. This allows the rich sauce to be soaked up, enhancing the dish's overall flavor. Pair it with a cooling cucumber salad to balance out the spiciness. For a more authentic Eritrean dining experience, consider sharing the meal communally, using the flatbread to scoop up the chili directly from the shared dish.