Enkulal be Sega (Ethiopian Scrambled Eggs with Beef)

A traditional Ethiopian breakfast or brunch dish featuring tender scrambled eggs cooked with finely diced beef, spiced with aromatic berbere, and often served with injera or bread. It's a flavorful and satisfying start to your day.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 4
EthiopianNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeHigh-Protein

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean beef (finely diced or ground)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 tbsp Berbere spice blend (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup Water or beef broth
  • 8 piece Large eggs
  • 2 tbsp Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter) (or unsalted butter/oil)
  • to taste to taste Salt
  • to taste to taste Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat the Niter Kibbeh (or butter/oil) in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

    Time: 7 min
  2. 2.

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

    Time: 2 min
  3. 3.

    Add the diced beef to the skillet. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

    Time: 7 min
  4. 4.

    Stir in the berbere spice blend and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.

    Time: 2 min
  5. 5.

    Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize slightly.

    Time: 5 min
  6. 6.

    While the beef simmers, whisk the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper until just combined.

    Time: 2 min
  7. 7.

    Uncover the beef mixture and pour the whisked eggs directly over it. Let the eggs set for a minute without stirring, then gently scramble them into the beef mixture until cooked to your desired consistency, usually 2-4 minutes.

    Time: 4 min
  8. 8.

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

    Time: 1 min

Tips

  • 💡For authentic flavor, Niter Kibbeh is highly recommended. You can find it at African markets or make your own.
  • 💡Serve Enkulal be Sega with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) for a traditional experience, or with regular pita bread, toast, or a side of rice.
  • 💡Adjust the amount of berbere to your spice preference. For a milder dish, use less; for more heat, add a little extra.
  • 💡If you don't have berbere, you can substitute with a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of allspice, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Ruth H