Doro Wat, Ethiopia’s signature chicken stew, is a deeply flavorful and spicy dish that is central to Ethiopian cuisine.
Made with chicken, eggs, and a richly spiced onion-based sauce known as berbere, Doro Wat is typically served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that is both a plate and a utensil.
This dish is famous for its complex flavors and long, slow cooking process that results in a stew that is both hearty and aromatic.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8-10 pieces, skin removed)
- 6 large onions (finely chopped)
- 1 cup clarified butter (niter kibbeh) or regular unsalted butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons ginger (minced)
- 3-4 tablespoons berbere spice mix (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup tomato paste or 3 large tomatoes (blended)
- 2-3 cups chicken broth or water
- 4-6 hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Injera (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Clean and cut the chicken into 8-10 pieces, removing the skin for a smoother sauce. Rinse the chicken with water and lemon juice, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the clarified butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pot and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. This process can take 45 minutes to an hour, as the onions should be cooked low and slow to develop a rich flavor.
3. Add the Garlic, Ginger, and Spices:
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Stir in the berbere spice mix, ground cardamom, fenugreek (if using), and black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and develop their flavors.
4. Add the Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste (or blended tomatoes) and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the mixture darkens and the raw tomato flavor cooks out.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
5. Add the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, coating them thoroughly with the onion and spice mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Slow Cook the Doro Wat:
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add the Eggs:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the peeled hard-boiled eggs to the stew, allowing them to warm and absorb the flavors for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Final Seasoning:
- Taste the Doro Wat and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional berbere if needed. The stew should be rich, spicy, and slightly tangy from the lemon juice.
9. Serve the Doro Wat:
- Traditionally, Doro Wat is served on top of a large round of injera with additional injera on the side. The injera serves as both a plate and a utensil, used to scoop up the stew.
- Garnish with extra boiled eggs if desired and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish with family and friends.
Tips for the Perfect Doro Wat:
- Berbere Spice Mix: Berbere is the heart of Doro Wat, so using a high-quality blend is essential. You can find berbere in specialty stores or make your own at home with a mixture of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, fenugreek, and other spices.
- Slow Cooking: The key to a flavorful Doro Wat is slow-cooking the onions and spices to develop deep, complex flavors. Don’t rush this step.
- Clarified Butter: Traditional Ethiopian niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) adds a unique depth of flavor to Doro Wat. If you can’t find it, you can use regular unsalted butter or make your own spiced butter.
Doro Wat is a truly special dish that brings together the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia.
Its deep, spicy flavors and comforting nature make it perfect for a special meal, especially when shared with loved ones.
Enjoy this Ethiopian classic and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Africa!
