Shiro Wat
Shiro wat is, alongside injera, one of the fundamental pillars of Ethiopian cuisine, a thick and creamy stew made from roasted chickpea flour, present daily on tables across the country regardless of social status. The word "shiro" refers both to the main ingredient — the spiced chickpea powder sold pre-mixed in Ethiopian markets — and to the finished dish. Its enormous popularity comes from its status as a fasting dish: the Ethiopian Orthodox Church mandates over 200 fasting days a year, during which meat and dairy are forbidden, and shiro wat, entirely vegan and affordably priced, became the daily solution for millions of families. Regional variants differ in the amount of berbere used, some spicy, others mild (shiro fitfit, made with pieces of injera soaked directly into the stew).
Chickpea flour
The stew's base is shiro, roasted chickpeas ground fine and pre-spiced.
Spicy berbere
Berbere spice blend gives the stew its deep red color and signature heat.
Onion base
Long-cooked, nearly caramelized onions form the flavorful foundation.
100% vegan
A traditional fasting dish, entirely plant-based, very popular during Orthodox Lent.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 tbsp berbere spice
- 1 cup shiro (spiced chickpea flour)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 green chilies, for serving (optional)
How to make it
- 1SAUTÉ THE ONION: Heat the oil and sauté the onion over low heat 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until golden.
- 2ADD AROMATICS: Add garlic and ginger, cooking 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- 3ADD BERBERE: Sprinkle berbere over the onion and mix well, letting it toast lightly for 1 minute.
- 4ADD TOMATO: Add the chopped tomato and let it soften 3-4 minutes.
- 5DISSOLVE THE SHIRO: In a separate bowl, dissolve the shiro in a little cold water to form a lump-free paste.
- 6THICKEN GRADUALLY: Pour the shiro paste into the pan, stirring constantly, then add the rest of the water gradually.
- 7SIMMER: Let simmer gently 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the stew thickens and becomes creamy.
- 8SERVE: Serve hot, with injera and green chilies on the side.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
