Chiko is a traditional Ethiopian dish made from Beso Duket (barley powder) mixed with a sufficient amount of Niter Kibbeh, along with spices. It is easy to prepare in a short time, and is full of protein because of its high butter content.
It is a popular thick and creamy snack traditionally served with coffee as an everyday treat and on holidays and for ceremonies.
Chiko can be stored for up to a year without spoiling. It is popular among those on long journeys or away at university because of its long shelf life.
Equipment Recommendations for Making Chiko
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Chiko Recipe
Chiko is a traditional Ethiopian dish made from Beso Duket (barley powder) mixed with a sufficient amount of Niter Kibbeh, along with spices. It is easy to prepare in a short time, and is full of protein because of its high butter content.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Mix/Chill/Cut
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml / 250g) Beso Duket (roasted barley flour)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 2g) caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 2g) ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 2g) ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 5g) salt
- 1 cup (240 ml / 227g) melted Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine beso duket, caraway seeds, ground coriander, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together.
- Slowly add the melted kibe to the dry mixture. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and free of any lumps.
- Transfer the cookie dough to a flat pan or container. A rectangular 32-ounce/8.75×6-inch plastic container works well. Ensure that you press the dough down into the corners to create an even layer.
- Seal the container and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 1 hour or until it hardens.
- Once the dough has hardened, remove it from the refrigerator. Cut it into 1- to 2-inch squares, triangles, or small shapes of your choice.
- Enjoy these spiced butter cookies with Ethiopian coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60g
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg