Zigni

Background and Description

Zigni is a traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian stew known for its rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Often regarded as a staple dish in Eritrean cuisine, Zigni is made with hearty cuts of meat, usually beef or chicken, and is infused with a complex blend of spices. This dish is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Eritrea and Ethiopia and is commonly enjoyed during communal meals where it is shared with family and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Zigni is typically served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that complements the spicy stew. The key ingredient that gives Zigni its signature heat and color is berbere, a spice mix that includes a variety of spices such as chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and fenugreek. Each family may have its own variation of Zigni, making it a personal and cherished recipe passed down through generations.

Ingredients

• 500g beef (cubed)
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 cups water

Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by cleaning and cubing the beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. Finely chop the onions and set aside.
3. Mince the garlic cloves.
4. Grate the ginger and mix it with the garlic.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Browning the Beef

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed beef to the pot and sear until it is browned on all sides.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Creating the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the onions.
2. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Building the Stew

1. Add the berbere spice mix to the onion mixture and stir well, ensuring everything is well coated.
2. Return the browned beef to the pot, mixing it thoroughly with the seasonings.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Pour in the water, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Let the stew simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded, stirring occasionally. Adjust with more water if needed during cooking.

Final Seasoning

1. Sample the stew and season with salt to taste.
2. If desired, add more berbere for extra heat.

Enjoying Your Zigni

Zigni is best enjoyed with friends and family, accompanied by traditional injera. To serve, lay a piece of injera on a large serving plate and spoon the Zigni stew over the top. The injera acts as both a utensil and accompaniment, soaking up the flavorful sauce. To enjoy, tear off a piece of the injera and use it to scoop up portions of the stew.

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or sautéed greens for a complete meal. Remember to set your cooking timer for each step to maintain perfect timing.