Niter Kebbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter

Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
A fragrant, golden spiced butter essential for Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine
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Niter Kebbeh is far more than just clarified butter; it is a deeply aromatic condiment that forms the backbone of many traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes. By gently simmering butter with a blend of onions, garlic, ginger, and warm spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and fenugreek, you create a golden, nutty, and intensely flavorful fat. This process renders out the milk solids, leaving behind a pure butter oil with a significantly higher smoke point and a longer shelf life than regular butter. It adds a rich, savory depth to stews, rice dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. Keep a jar in your pantry for an instant flavor boost that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Its complex, spicy aroma fills the kitchen as it cooks, promising a delicious meal ahead.

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Niter Kebbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 1472.2

Description

Niter Kebbeh is far more than just clarified butter; it is a deeply aromatic condiment that forms the backbone of many traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes. By gently simmering butter with a blend of onions, garlic, ginger, and warm spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and fenugreek, you create a golden, nutty, and intensely flavorful fat. This process renders out the milk solids, leaving behind a pure butter oil with a significantly higher smoke point and a longer shelf life than regular butter. It adds a rich, savory depth to stews, rice dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. Keep a jar in your pantry for an instant flavor boost that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Its complex, spicy aroma fills the kitchen as it cooks, promising a delicious meal ahead.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place the unsalted butter in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.
  2. Once melted, add the chopped onions, pressed garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, crushed cardamom seeds, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, nutmeg, ground fenugreek, and fresh basil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered.
  4. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the surface becomes clear and transparent, and the milk solids have sunk to the bottom and turned golden brown.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  6. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a heat-resistant container.
  7. Carefully pour the liquid butter through the strainer to separate the clear oil from the solids and spices.
  8. Discard the solids and spices caught in the cheesecloth.

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.

Keywords: niter kebbeh, spiced butter, clarified butter, ethiopian, eritrean, aromatic butter, ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek, basil, nutmeg, cooking fat, condiment, vegetarian, pantry staple, simmered spices
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