Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ethiopian-style raw minced beef seasoned with warm mitmita spice and clarified butter, served chilled with traditional accompaniments for a unique, flavorful experience. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes layers mitmita spice blend, salt, freshly ground black pepper into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 pound of finely minced lean beef tenderloin in a mixing bowl. Add 3 tbsp melted niter kibbeh, 1 tsp mitmita spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, stirring gently to combine without overworking the meat.
  2. Step 2: Fold in 1 finely chopped small jalapeño or green chili and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves to add freshness and heat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: To serve, shape the seasoned beef mixture into small mounds on a platter. Accompany with injera or other flatbreads for scooping. Kitfo can be eaten raw or lightly warmed depending on preference.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita?

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 Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Kitfo-Inspired Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita?

Ethiopian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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