Ethiopia's celebrated spicy chicken stew made with Berbere spice, slow-cooked onions, Niter Kibbeh, and hard-boiled eggs.

Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken Stew)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs and thighs preferred), skin removed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 large yellow onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter) or vegetable oil + 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup Berbere spice blend (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse chicken pieces, rub with lemon juice, and set aside.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the finely chopped onions over medium-low heat without oil, stirring frequently, until they release their moisture and reduce significantly in volume, becoming golden (this can take 30-45 minutes). This slow cooking develops sweetness.
3. Add the Niter Kibbeh (or oil/butter) to the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
4. Stir in the Berbere spice blend and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them well with the spice mixture.
7. Pour in water or broth, bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Add salt to taste.
9. Make a few slits in the hard-boiled eggs. Gently add them to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through and absorb flavor.
10. Serve hot with Injera.

What makes it special?*

Doro Wat is arguably Ethiopia's most famous dish, often served during celebrations. Its defining characteristics are the deep red color and complex flavor from the Berbere spice blend, the richness from Niter Kibbeh, and the sweetness derived from slow-cooking copious amounts of onions. The tender chicken and hard-boiled eggs soaking up the spicy sauce make it incredibly rich and satisfying.