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Ethiopian Kitfo with Ayib and Greens

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Ethiopian kitfo with ayib, collard greens, and injera on a rustic platter.
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Kitfo is a celebrated Ethiopian dish of finely minced beef seasoned with niter kibbeh and mitmita, traditionally served with ayib and greens.

This home-friendly version gently warms the beef in fragrant spiced butter while keeping the rich seasoning and classic accompaniments in balance.

Use very fresh, finely minced beef and keep it cold until cooking; cook it fully if you prefer a well-done preparation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve family-style on injera with ayib, collard greens, and extra niter kibbeh for drizzling.

Close-up of seasoned Ethiopian kitfo with ayib, greens, spiced butter, and injera.

Recipe Notes

Kitfo is best served immediately. Store cooked leftovers chilled and reheat gently, adding a little butter if needed.

Ethiopian kitfo with ayib, collard greens, and injera on a rustic platter.

Ethiopian Kitfo with Ayib and Greens

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Ethiopian seasoned minced beef warmed with spiced butter and served with ayib, greens, and injera.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Kitfo
  • 1 lb very lean ground beef freshly minced if possible
  • 4 tbsp niter kibbeh or clarified butter
  • 2 tbsp mitmita adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp fine salt
Accompaniments
  • 1 cup ayib or farmer cheese
  • 4 cups collard greens thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for the greens
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic for the greens
  • 4 pieces injera for serving

Equipment

  • Heavy skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Steamer or saucepan
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Prepare the Greens:
  1. Warm olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and collard greens with a splash of water.
  2. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, then season lightly and keep warm.
Warm the Kitfo:
  1. Melt the niter kibbeh in a heavy skillet over low heat. Stir in mitmita and cardamom.
  2. Add the beef and stir continuously until warmed and cooked to your preferred doneness. Season with salt.
Serve:
  1. Line a platter with injera. Spoon the kitfo into the center and arrange ayib and greens around it.
  2. Serve immediately with extra injera for scooping.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 890mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Notes

  • Traditionally kitfo may be served rare, but fully cook the beef for a well-done version.
  • If ayib is unavailable, use a mild farmer cheese or drained cottage cheese.

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