Kitfo
Kitfo is a beloved Ethiopian dish consisting of finely minced raw beef, traditionally seasoned with mitmita (a fiery chili powder blend) and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter). It is often served with a side of gomen (collard greens) and a starch like injera or kocho, and can be prepared 'leb leb' (lightly cooked) for those who prefer it less raw.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Kitfo is a high-protein, high-fat dish with minimal carbohydrates, providing a substantial amount of iron and B vitamins from the beef. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, largely depending on the amount of spiced butter used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.0 mcg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.0 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, kitfo is often served during celebrations and special occasions, and its preparation is a point of pride, with the quality of the mince and the balance of spices being highly valued. Nutritionally, the use of niter kibbeh not only adds rich flavor but also contains spices like fenugreek and ginger, which are believed to aid digestion.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms