Zigni Asmara (Eritrean Slow-Simmered Berbere Spiced Beef Stew with Injera/Flatbread) – Authentic Eritrea Recipe

Ingredients for Zigni Asmara (Eritrean Slow-Simmered Berbere Spiced Beef Stew with Injera/Flatbread) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups rich red onion and tomato sauce, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup soft sourdough flatbread and boiled egg
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Eritrean berbere spice (paprika
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Eritrea seasoning (fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, ginger, chili), garlic)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tender beef cubes for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, Eritrean berbere spice (paprika, and fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, ginger, chili), garlic, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add rich red onion and tomato sauce and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in soft sourdough flatbread and boiled egg right before serving warm.