Shiro Wat
Shiro wat is a classic Ethiopian chickpea stew, celebrated for its rich, earthy flavors and creamy texture. This vegan version features finely ground chickpeas simmered with berbere spice, onions, garlic, and ginger. It's a comforting and hearty dish, perfect served with injera or rice.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 288 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1.5 cupchickpea flour
- 6 cupwater
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tbspginger, grated
- 3 tbspberbere spice blend
- 3 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper
Equipment
large pot · cutting board · knife · whisk
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not rush this step; properly caramelizing the onions builds a strong flavor base.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Add the berbere spice blend and tomato paste, stirring well to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast.
About 3 min
- 5
Gradually whisk in the chickpea flour, a little at a time, to create a thick paste. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Whisking slowly prevents lumps from forming.
- 6
Slowly pour in the water, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
About 3 min
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: The shiro will thicken considerably as it cooks.
- 8
Stir in the salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
About 1 min
- 9
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
About 2 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 288kcal
- Protein
- 9.7g
- Carbs
- 32.2g
- Fat
- 13.9g
- Fibre
- 7.6g
- Sugar
- 6.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover shiro wat in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
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