Ethiopia · Pulse check
Shiro Wot (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Discover authentic Ethiopian Shiro Wot, a rich chickpea stew served with teff injera for a naturally high-protein vegetarian meal.
Macros are per serving. If this recipe serves 4 people, the numbers above are for one portion. Nutritional values are estimated using recognised nutrition databases and calorie-tracking software to provide a practical guide, although they may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use.
Ingredients
- Shiro Wot
- 200 g Ethiopian shiro flour (traditional roasted chickpea flour with spices)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions (350–400 g), finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 20 g fresh ginger, grated
- 750–900 ml vegetable stock, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- 600 g 100% teff injera (4 × 150 g), warmed
- Fresh coriander or parsley, to garnish (optional)
Recommended equipment
- · Large saucepan
- · wooden spoon
- · whisk
- · measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- 01
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 15–20 minutes until soft, golden and lightly caramelised.
- 02
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 03
Gradually add the Ethiopian shiro flour, stirring to coat it evenly with the onion mixture.
- 04
Slowly whisk in the warm vegetable stock a little at a time until smooth and lump-free.
- 05
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stew becomes thick, creamy and velvety. Add a little more stock if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- 06
Season with salt to taste.
- 07
Warm the teff injera just before serving, if desired.
- 08
Serve the Shiro Wot on top of or alongside the injera. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley if using, and enjoy by tearing off pieces of injera to scoop up the stew.
Cooking tips
- Traditional Ethiopian shiro flour is made from roasted chickpeas (and sometimes broad beans) blended with aromatic spices, so no additional spice mix is needed.
- Shiro thickens quickly as it cooks. Stir frequently and add a splash of stock if it becomes too thick.
- Buy authentic shiro flour from Ethiopian or African grocery stores, or online, for the most traditional flavour.
- Serve with 100% teff injera for an authentic meal rich in protein, fibre, calcium and iron.
- This version is more authentic than the previous one because it reflects how Shiro Wot is actually prepared in Ethiopian homes: the flavour comes from the shiro flour itself, while the onions, garlic and ginger build the base.
You'll need
Origin
Shiro Wot is one of Ethiopia's most beloved everyday dishes and a staple of both family meals and fasting traditions. Its distinctive flavour comes from shiro flour, a traditional Ethiopian blend of roasted chickpeas and spices that transforms into a rich, velvety stew when simmered with onions, garlic and ginger. Traditionally served with tangy teff injera, it is a nourishing meal that celebrates two of Ethiopia's most iconic ingredients.
