Smoky Berbere Kitfo

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean beef (top round or sirloin), finely minced
• 0.5 cup Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
• 3 tablespoons Smoky Berbere spice blend
• 1 teaspoon Mitmita (extra hot chili powder)(optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Cardamom powder (Korerima)
• 1 cup Ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese)
• 1 cup Gomen (collard greens), finely chopped and sautéed
• 4 pieces Injera (flatbread)
• 1 clove Fresh garlic, minced(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Trim all fat and connective tissue from the beef and mince it very finely by hand or with a food processor using short pulses.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, melt the Niter Kibbeh over low heat until it is completely liquid but not bubbling.

3. 3

   Stir the smoky berbere spice, mitmita, salt, and cardamom into the warm butter and let it infuse for 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Place the minced beef in a large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl.

5. 5

   Slowly pour the warm spiced butter mixture over the beef, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.

6. 6

   Continue mixing until the beef is evenly coated and has slightly changed color from the warmth of the butter (this is 'lebleb' style).

7. 7

   Taste and adjust the seasoning with more berbere or salt if a deeper smoky flavor is desired.

8. 8

   Serve immediately on a platter lined with injera, accompanied by side portions of ayib and gomen.