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Niter Kebbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter

Niter Kebbeh (Spiced Clarified Butter recipe image
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.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1
Calories: 1472.2
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
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
  • 1 pound Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup Chopped onions
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, pressed
  • 2 teaspoon Fresh gingerroot, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 4 Cardamom Seeds, crushed
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh basil
Directions
  1. 1
    Place the unsalted butter in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.
  2. 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. 3
    Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered.
  4. 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. 5
    Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  6. 6
    Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a heat-resistant container.
  7. 7
    Carefully pour the liquid butter through the strainer to separate the clear oil from the solids and spices.
  8. 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
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/niter-kebbeh-spiced-clarified-butter/