
Doro Wat
Doro Wat is a rich and aromatic dish with complex flavors from the berbere spice blend. The tender chicken and flavorful sauce make it a beloved Ethiopian comfort food. Enjoy it with injera to soak up the delicious sauce, and don't forget the hard-boiled eggs if you like.
Doro Wat
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (such as drumsticks and thighs), skin removed
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup berbere spice blend (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or clarified butter (niter kibbeh), if available
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Injera or rice, for serving
How The Alchemy Happen
- In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces with half of the berbere spice blend and set aside for about 30 minutes to marinate.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or clarified butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Push the onion mixture to the sides of the pot and place the marinated chicken pieces in the center. Allow the chicken to brown slightly on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining berbere spice blend to the pot, along with the tomato paste. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and onions with the spices and tomato paste.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, and add the salt. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If using hard-boiled eggs, you can add them to the stew about 15 minutes before it's done cooking, allowing them to absorb some of the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or berbere spice blend if needed.
- Serve the Doro Wat over injera or rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.