Ethiopian
⭐ Highly Rated
1h 30mmedium
EthiopianBreakfast
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsFit-Fit is a beloved Ethiopian breakfast dish that transforms leftover injera or other flatbread into a comforting, spicy meal. The torn bread pieces are tossed in a vibrant red sauce made with berbere spice blend and niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter), creating layers of complex flavors with hints of cardamom, fenugreek, and chili. Often served with a dollop of cooling yogurt and fresh tomatoes or peppers, Fit-Fit provides a satisfying balance of heat and richness. This dish is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and everyday mornings alike, representing the Ethiopian tradition of never wasting food and creating something delicious from simple ingredients. The dish can be made with varying levels of spiciness and is typically eaten with your hands using additional pieces of injera.
Instructions
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Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2-inch squares, and set aside in a large mixing bowl. If using injera, tear into similar sized pieces.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the berbere spice blend (paprika, cayenne, cumin, coriander, and black pepper mixture) to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the spices in the butter.
Pour in 1 cup of water and add the diced tomatoes and chopped onions. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add salt to taste and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onions are softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the torn bread pieces to the skillet and gently toss with tongs or a wooden spoon, ensuring each piece is coated with the spiced butter sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has absorbed most of the liquid but still retains some texture.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately with yogurt on the side and sliced bell peppers or additional tomatoes for freshness.
Fit-Fit
4.5 (51)
A traditional Ethiopian breakfast of torn flatbread soaked in berbere-spiced clarified butter sauce, served with yogurt and fresh vegetables for a flavorful morning meal.
medium
35 min
4 servings
Ingredients
0 of 15 checked
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices bread, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoons ginger, grated
Spices
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons cayenne
- 1 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoons coriander
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Vegetables
- 2 pieces tomatoes, diced
- 1 pieces onions, finely chopped
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoons salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Serving
- 1/2 cups yogurt (optional)
- 1 pieces bell-peppers, sliced (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•For authentic flavor, try to find Ethiopian berbere spice blend at specialty stores, or make your own by combining the spices listed.
•The key to perfect Fit-Fit is achieving the right bread-to-sauce ratio - the bread should be moist and flavorful but not mushy.
•If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
•For a richer version, increase the butter or add a beaten egg in the final minute of cooking, stirring quickly to create scrambled egg throughout.
•Traditionally made with day-old injera, any flatbread or even crusty bread works well.
•Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
•This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, as the bread continues to absorb liquid as it sits.
•For a vegan version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil and omit the yogurt or use plant-based yogurt.
