Quanta Firfir
Quanta Firfir is a traditional Ethiopian dish made with dried beef jerky (quanta) rehydrated and cooked in a spicy berbere sauce, then mixed with torn pieces of injera. It's a flavorful and hearty meal, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 566 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 250 gdried beef jerky (Ethiopian quanta), dried beef jerky, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 2 tbspginger, grated
- 3 tbspberbere spice blend
- 3 tbspniter kibbeh, or unsalted butter
- 4 cupbeef broth
- 4 pcsinjera, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
Equipment
measuring cups · measuring spoons · large pot · dutch oven · cutting board · knife · medium pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the quanta in a medium pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to rehydrate and tenderize.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: This step is crucial for softening the dried beef jerky.
- 2
Drain the quanta, reserving the cooking liquid if desired for additional broth, and set the quanta aside.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the niter kibbeh over medium heat.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: If using unsalted butter, clarify it first by simmering gently and skimming off solids for a similar flavor profile to niter kibbeh.
- 4
Add the yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
About 9 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
Add the berbere spice blend, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their aroma.
About 3 min
- 7
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
About 3 min
- 8
Add the rehydrated quanta to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the quanta to become very tender.
About 18 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- 9
Once the quanta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
- 10
Add the torn injera pieces to the pot and gently fold them into the quanta and sauce until fully coated.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The injera will absorb the delicious sauce.
- 11
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a side of plain injera.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 565.7kcal
- Protein
- 35.5g
- Carbs
- 58.2g
- Fat
- 17.2g
- Fibre
- 6.6g
- Sugar
- 6.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Quanta Firfir in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
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