Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry
A quick sauté of mixed vegetables with Ethiopian spices and niter kibbeh, creating a vibrant and aromatic vegetarian stir-fry. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs large carrot, sliced into thin rounds, medium bell pepper, sliced into strips, medium zucchini, cut into half-moons for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 large sliced carrot rounds, 1 medium sliced bell pepper strips, and 1 medium zucchini cut into half-moons. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the vegetables. Toss well and cook for 2 more minutes until the spices coat the vegetables and become aromatic.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm as a side or over injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Tibs Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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