Niter Kebbeh

Infuse your culinary creations with the rich, aromatic flavors of Ethiopia by making Niter Kebbeh, a spiced clarified butter that elevates any dish it touches. This recipe transforms unsalted butter into a golden treasure by simmering it slowly with a symphony of spices, including turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and fenugreek seeds, along with aromatic onion, garlic, and ginger. The low-and-slow cooking process infuses the butter with deeply complex flavors while removing milk solids for a smooth, shelf-stable finish. Perfect for sautéing, stewing, or as an essential base in Ethiopian cuisine, this versatile condiment adds unparalleled depth and warmth to your favorite recipes. With just 5 minutes of prep and simple steps, Niter Kebbeh is your secret to creating bold, authentic African-inspired flavors at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 454 grams unsalted butter
• 1 small (chopped) onion
• 3 smashed garlic cloves
• 1 2-inch piece (peeled and sliced) fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 4 whole cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons fenugreek seeds
• 0.5 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

Directions

Step 1

Place the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and allow it to melt slowly without boiling.

Step 2

Once melted, skim off the foam that rises to the surface with a spoon to begin clarifying the butter.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, sliced ginger, and all the spices (turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, fenugreek seeds, and black peppercorns) into the melted butter.

Step 4

Keep the butter on low heat and allow it to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The butter should take on a rich golden color and absorb all the aromatic flavors.

Step 5

Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6

Strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, heatproof container to separate the solids from the clarified butter.

Step 7

Discard the solids and store the Niter Kebbeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for longer storage.

Step 8

Use as a rich cooking fat for sautéing, stewing, or as a base in Ethiopian recipes for added depth of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	613.6 grams (613.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3444

Total Fat 391.40g	502%
Saturated Fat 227.50g	1138%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 1005mg	335%
Sodium 96mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate 30.30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 8.00g	29%
Total Sugars 5.90g
Protein 7.40g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 228mg	18%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 646mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 95.9%

Protein: 0.8%

Carbs: 3.3%