Niter Kibbeh Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter

Transform your cooking with this aromatic Niter Kibbeh, an Ethiopian spiced clarified butter that elevates any dish with its rich, layered flavors. Made by simmering unsalted butter with an enticing blend of warm spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, and turmeric, this golden elixir is infused with fresh garlic, ginger, and onion for a deeply complex taste. Perfect as a foundation for traditional Ethiopian dishes like doro wat or as a flavorful twist in modern recipes, Niter Kibbeh is a versatile staple that stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Simple to make yet packed with depth, this spiced butter is your ticket to bringing authentic Ethiopian flair to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 20

Ingredients

• 454 grams unsalted butter
• 1 small (finely chopped) onion
• 3 crushed garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon (grated) fresh ginger
• 4 whole cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

1. Cut the butter into chunks and place it in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 2

2. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and grated ginger to the saucepan.

Step 3

3. Add the whole spices including cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, fenugreek seeds, and nigella seeds (if using). Sprinkle in the ground turmeric for a vibrant golden color and warm flavor.

Step 4

4. Heat the saucepan over low heat, allowing the butter to slowly melt. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 5

5. Once the butter is fully melted, continue to simmer over very low heat for 30–40 minutes. During this time, the milk solids will separate and settle at the bottom, while the spices infuse into the butter.

Step 6

6. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon, being careful not to disturb the milk solids at the bottom.

Step 7

7. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a clean, heatproof jar or container.

Step 8

8. Slowly pour the melted butter through the cheesecloth-lined sieve, straining out the spices and milk solids. Discard the solids.

Step 9

9. Allow the clarified butter to cool completely before sealing the container with a lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for longer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(604.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3452.4

Total Fat 391.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 227.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1005.3mg	0%
Sodium 95.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 32.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.7g	0%
Total Sugars 5.9g
Protein 8.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 267.2mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 656.4mg	0%

*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: 95.6%

Protein: 0.9%

Carbs: 3.5%