Ethiopia’s Go-To Comfort Dish
Ask almost any Ethiopian what they grew up eating the most, and you’ll hear one word: Shiro. It’s the comfort food of comfort foods - simple, fast, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re short on time, cooking for a crowd, or just want something that tastes like home, Shiro delivers every time.
I'm Ethiopian sharing my favorite dishes - the real ones I actually cook and eat on the daily. And Shiro? This one’s always in rotation.
Ingredients
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½ cup Shiro powder (seasoned ground chickpeas or broad beans)
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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1–2 tablespoons oil (niter kibbeh if you’ve got it)
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2–2½ cups warm water or vegetable broth
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Salt to taste
How to Make It
1. Cook the Onions
Heat your oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and let them cook down slowly until soft and golden - this forms the flavorful base.
2. Add Garlic + Ginger
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Shiro Powder
Lower the heat a bit, then sprinkle in your Shiro powder. Stir it into the onion mix and let it toast gently for a minute. This helps bring out its deep, nutty flavor.
4. Add Liquid + Simmer
Slowly pour in the water or broth, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then. You want it smooth, thick, and bubbling.
5. Season to Taste
Add salt, and feel free to adjust the consistency with a bit more liquid if it gets too thick. Some like it silky; others like it thicker - totally up to you.
How to Eat It
Serve it with warm injera and a side of greens (like gomen) or lentils. Scoop it up, no utensils needed. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day.
Why It Matters
Shiro isn’t fancy - and that’s the point. It’s the dish everyone eats, no matter where they are in the world. It’s affordable, plant-based, and deeply tied to home for Ethiopians everywhere. Whether you're vegan, new to Ethiopian food, or just hungry, Shiro is always the move.
We’re JebenaWings - sharing the food we grew up on and helping you make it with the real ingredients. From Shiro powder to injera, we’ve got what you need.