Niter Kebbeh is a traditional Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that serves as the backbone of many North African and East African dishes. Unlike regular butter, this golden condiment has a high smoke point and a rich, complex aroma derived from simmering butter with a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The slow cooking process gently infuses the fat with these flavors while removing the milk solids, resulting in a smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet tasting oil. It is essential for adding depth to lentils, greens, and stews. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two months, where it will solidify into a fragrant, golden block ready to melt into your favorite recipes.
Niter Kebbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter
Description
Niter Kebbeh is a traditional Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that serves as the backbone of many North African and East African dishes. Unlike regular butter, this golden condiment has a high smoke point and a rich, complex aroma derived from simmering butter with a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The slow cooking process gently infuses the fat with these flavors while removing the milk solids, resulting in a smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet tasting oil. It is essential for adding depth to lentils, greens, and stews. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two months, where it will solidify into a fragrant, golden block ready to melt into your favorite recipes.Ingredients
Directions
-
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until bubbling.
-
Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chopped onions, pressed garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, crushed cardamom seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, fenugreek seeds, and fresh basil.
-
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered, for about 45 to 60 minutes.
-
Monitor the butter; stop cooking when the surface becomes clear and transparent, and the milk solids have settled at the bottom and turned a light golden brown.
-
Carefully pour the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a heat-resistant container, separating the clear spiced butter from the solids.
-
Discard the strained spices and milk solids.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1472.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 143.4g221%
- Saturated Fat 64.0g320%
- Cholesterol 244.3mg82%
- Sodium 15.2mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 42.9g15%
- Dietary Fiber 22.4g90%
- Sugars 3.8g
- Protein 23.5g47%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator, Niter Kebbeh will keep for up to 2 months. It may solidify when cold; simply warm it slightly to return to liquid form.
Ingredient Note: Fresh basil can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
Tip: Clarifying butter removes the milk solids, raising the smoke point and preventing it from burning easily. This makes it ideal for high-heat cooking.
Cultural Context: Niter Kebbeh is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, prized for its deep, aromatic flavor profile that enhances lentils, vegetables, and stews.
