Photo from endofthefork.com

Zegni is a fiery, flavorful stew that is a staple in Eritrean cuisine. This hearty dish is traditionally made with beef or chicken, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with berbere, a signature spice blend that gives Zegni its distinctive heat and depth of flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy food, Zegni is often served with injera or rice. This recipe will guide you through making an authentic Zegni, bringing the taste of Eritrea into your home.

Ingredients

2 lb (0.9 kg) beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, minced

2 tbsp berbere spice mix

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

1 cup (240 ml) water or beef/chicken broth

Salt, to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. The slow cooking of the onions is essential for building the flavor of the stew.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Incorporate the Spices: Add the berbere spice mix, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices, cooking for 2 minutes to release their flavors.

Cook the Meat: Add the beef or chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to combine with the spiced onion mixture. Cook the meat until it is browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, followed by the water or broth. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and add salt as needed. If you prefer a bit more acidity, stir in the lemon juice. Let the stew simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce if necessary.

Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot with injera, rice, or bread.

Serving

Zegni is traditionally served with injera, a spongy flatbread that helps soak up the spicy sauce. It also pairs well with rice or even a simple flatbread. This stew is perfect for a family dinner or any occasion where you want to introduce bold Eritrean flavors to your table.

Zegni is a vibrant and spicy dish that showcases the rich flavors of Eritrean cuisine. The combination of tender meat and a robust, spiced tomato sauce makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this classic Eritrean stew in your own kitchen, enjoying a taste of East Africa whenever you like.