Tegabino Shiro (Ethiopian Spiced Chickpea Dip)
Tegabino shiro is a flavorful and versatile dip made with chickpea flour and a blend of aromatic spices. This dip is a popular part of Ethiopian cuisine and is enjoyed with injera or bread as a delicious appetizer or snack.
1 cup chickpea flour
3 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the chickpea flour and water until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a smooth consistency. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
10–15 minutes
In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the berbere spice blend, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pan. Mix well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices.
Transfer the spiced onion mixture to the thickened chickpea flour mixture and stir well to combine all the flavors. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5 minutes
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and cayenne pepper according to your preference.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
- •Chickpea flour can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste. If desired, you can toast the chickpea flour in a dry skillet for a few minutes before whisking it with water. This can help reduce the bitterness.
- •Adjust the spiciness of by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
- •For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked mixture using a blender.
- •Add cooked and mashed vegetables like carrots, spinach, or collard greens to the tegabino shiro for added flavor and nutrition.
- •Experiment with different spice blends or herbs to create your own unique version of the dip.
- •Tegabino shiro is rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the chickpea flour.