Cookbook:Awaze Tibs (Spicy Ethiopian Meat Stir-Fry)

Awaze tibs is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the vibrant spices of Ethiopian cuisine. This dish is made with tender pieces of meat, such as beef or lamb, stir-fried with a rich and spicy sauce known as awaze.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 1.5 pounds beef or lamb, thinly sliced
 * 1 large onion, thinly sliced
 * 3 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 2 tablespoons berbere spice
 * 1 tablespoon tomato paste
 * 1 tablespoon paprika
 * 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
 * 1 tablespoon awaze sauce
 * 1 tablespoon soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon vinegar
 * 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
 * Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

 * Large skillet
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Cutting board
 * Chef's knife

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
 * 2) Add the thinly sliced meat to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set it aside.
 * 3) In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
 * 4) Add the berbere spice, tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
 * 5) Return the cooked meat to the skillet and toss it with the spiced onion mixture.
 * 6) Add the awaze sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and salt to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and coat the meat evenly.
 * 7) Continue to stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
 * 8) Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices according to your preference.
 * 9) Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper and berbere spice, according to your taste preferences.
 * Awaze sauce can be found in Ethiopian grocery stores or made at home using a combination of spices and peppers.
 * Awaze tibs is traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that complements the spicy flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with rice or bread.
 * Serve the stir-fry with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
 * For a tender and flavorful meat, marinate it in the awaze sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
 * Stir-fry the ingredients on high heat for a shorter duration to retain the juiciness of the meat.
 * Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or other vegetables to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
 * Experiment with different protein options like chicken or tofu for a variation in flavors and dietary preferences.