Kitfo facts for kids

Kitfo served with ayibe (cheese) and gomen (greens).

A plate of Kitfo.

Kitfo is a traditional dish from Ethiopia. It is very popular, especially among the Gurage people. The name Kitfo comes from an old Ethiopian word meaning "to chop finely."

What is Kitfo?

Kitfo is made from fresh beef that is chopped into very small pieces. This minced beef is then mixed with special ingredients. These include mitmita, which is a spicy chili powder blend, and niter kibbeh, a type of butter that has been cooked with herbs and spices.

Sometimes, Kitfo is cooked just a little bit, so it's still rare. This version is called kitfo leb leb.

How is Kitfo Eaten?

Kitfo is often served with other tasty foods. You might find it with ayibe, which is a mild, soft cheese. It can also be served with gomen, which are cooked green leafy vegetables.

In many parts of Ethiopia, people eat Kitfo with injera. Injera is a soft, spongy bread that looks like a large pancake. It's made from teff flour, which is a tiny grain. You use pieces of injera to scoop up the Kitfo.

However, the Gurage people, who created Kitfo, traditionally eat it with kocho. Kocho is a thick, flatbread made from the ensete plant, sometimes called a "false banana" plant. A leaf from the ensete plant might even be used to decorate the dish.

When is Kitfo Served?

Kitfo is usually served on special days and holidays. For example, it is a common dish during the "Finding of the True Cross" holiday, also known as "Meskel". This holiday is celebrated every year on September 27th in Ethiopia. Even though it's not a fancy dish, Kitfo is highly respected and enjoyed by many.

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