International Cuisine

Exploring the world through food.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook

Zigni (Beef Stew)

June 11, 2015 By Darlene at International Cuisine

Sharing is caring!

818 shares
  • Facebook80
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe  ↓ Print Recipe  ❒

Zigni is considered to be the national dish of Eritrea although it also popular in Ethiopia where it is called kai wat. Zigni is basically a beef stew that is often served with pasta.  The Italians were the ones that colonized Eritrea and this dish is a clear influence. Zigni does however have the signature seasoning of onion and berbere so well-known in the region.  A beautiful fusion of flavor.

Zigni I served it over injera, a lovely sour spongy flat bread, as part of our International Cuisine meal  and saved the leftovers to enjoy over pasta.  Excellent!

Did you know that Eritrea has no official language?  Also the captial city of Asmara is also known as “Italy’s African city” or “New Rome”.   If you would like to learn more be sure to check out “Our Journey to Ethiopia and Eritrea” .There you will also find more delicious and authentic recipes to go with the national dish of Zigni.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

 

Print Pin
4.67 from 9 votes

Zigni (Beef Stew)

Zigni is a delicious beef stew considered to be the national dish of Eritirea
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Eritrea and Ethiopia
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 445kcal
Author International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2.5 lbs. beef cubed
  • 2 onions diced finely
  • 4 sweet peppers very finely diced (red or yellow bells)
  • 4 tomatoes very finely diced
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic cloves minced
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable seasoning salt like vegeta
  • 1 Tablespoon turmeric
  • 3 Tablespoons Berbere seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup ghee or nitter kibbeh

Instructions

  • In a large pot heat up the oil and add in the beef, cook a few minutes until browned and add in the onions. Cook together just a couple of minutes and add in all the other ingredients except for the berbere, ghee or nitter kibbeh, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook covered on medium heat for two hours.
  • Add in the berbere seasoning, ghee or nitter kibbeh and minced garlic, stir, cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Serve warm over pasta or injera.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 1118mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2400IU | Vitamin C: 89mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 5mg

 

 

Sharing is caring!

818 shares
  • Facebook80
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Eritrea & Ethiopia, Main Dish, Recipes

« Ayib (Cheese)
Mesir Wat (A Lentil Stew from Ethiopia) »
Symbols of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan a tea pot, cotton, wheat, an apple, and pictures of their national animals an Uzbek cat and markhor.

Our Journey to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

How did they get their Names? Both of these countries are named for early, ...

Read More »

Symbols of Taiwan, a flag, plum blossoms, black bear, butterfly, baseball bat, teapot and a mask.

Our Journey to Taiwan

How did Taiwan get its name? Portuguese explorers, back in the mid 1500s, ...

Read More »

This Week’s Recipes

A plateful of Togolese Spaghetti Salad

Togolese Spaghetti Salad

A plateful of Togolese grilled chicken served with djenkoume, a tomato cornmeal

Togo Grilled Chicken Recipe

a mound of Togolese tomato cornmeal called Djenkoume

Togo Djenkoume Tomato Cornmeal Recipe

Welcome to International Cuisine

Hello my name is Darlene and thank you for stopping by!

I am cooking a meal from every country in the world. I do extensive research and choose a menu that I feel best represents the country and their cuisine. Of course that also includes the authentic, delicious recipes. Simply click on the link or the photo in the journey by country posts to get them. I also share important information about the country as well.

I love to cook, photograph, and especially travel. I hope you enjoy this culinary and cultural adventure around the world. Be sure to join the journey so you don't miss a thing. It's free!

Our Mission

To promote cultural appreciation by cooking our way across the world, one nation at a time. To discover the struggles and joys that have influenced the people, to gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and to feel the hospitality that only sharing a meal can convey.

Come join the journey, explore a new country each week and embark on a fantastic culinary adventure.

Connect and share with Us

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Join the Journey It’s Free!

Sign up for my culinary, travel and cultural adventure delivered right to your inbox so you won't miss a thing.

Copyright International Cuisine 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved

  • 80
818 shares