Chechebsa: A Beloved Ethiopian Breakfast Delight

Chechebsa, also known as Kita Firfir, is a cherished breakfast dish in Ethiopia that combines torn flatbread with flavorful ingredients like Kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter), Berbere spice, and honey. This homemade delight is not only easy to make but also perfect for a wholesome breakfast or brunch. In this blog, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing authentic Chechebs, providing you with a well-rounded guide to this beloved Ethiopian breakfast dish.

Ingredients:

To make Chechebsa, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour (I used unbleached organic all purpose)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups of water
• Oil for greasing the pan
• 1/3 cup of Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter)
• 1 tbsp of Berbere spice
• 1 tsp of cardamom
• Honey for drizzling

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now, let’s dive into the process of preparing Chechebsa:

1. Prepare the Dough:
      – In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 tsp of salt.
      – Gradually add 2 cups of water while mixing the mixture until a smooth lose dough forms.
2. Heat a greased pan over medium heat and cook the flatbread by Scoop ingredients out the mixture and flatten it with your hand to make it flat and round on the pan. (Be careful if this is your first time not to burn your hands)
3. Repeat this process for the remaining.
4. Tear and Season the Flatbread:
      – Once all the flatbreads are cooked, tear them into bite-sized pieces.
      – In a separate pan, melt 1/3 cup of Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter) over low heat.
      – Add 1 tbsp of Berbere spice and 1 tsp of cardamom to the melted Kibbeh and mix well.
      – Toss the torn flatbread pieces into the seasoned Kibbeh mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
      – Transfer the seasoned flatbread to a serving dish.
      – Drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness.
      – Chechebsa is traditionally enjoyed with a side of yogurt.
      – Serve warm and savor the authentic flavors of this Ethiopian breakfast delight.

Conclusion

Chechebsa, or Kita Firfir, is a beloved Ethiopian breakfast dish that combines torn flatbread, Kibbeh, Berbere spice, and honey. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for starting your day with a burst of flavor. By following our step-by-step guide, you can create an authentic Chechebsa experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. Remember to serve it warm and enjoy it with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or brunch. Embrace the rich Ethiopian culinary heritage with Chechebsa and delight your taste buds with this scrumptious dish.