May 8, 2025
Plant Based Kitfo - Ethiopian Spiced Tofu
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
This recipe is inspired by Lalibela, an ethiopian spot in Los Angeles that my friends and I frequently visited. They are the only ethiopian spot that I have eaten at that offers a vegan version of kitfo, a dish usually made with raw beef. I took that dish and swapped out the faux meat for tofu to bring you a new way to cook your tofu. This dish packs in 14g of protein per serving and makes a great meal prep friendly breakfast or lunch.
Why you will love this recipe
Meal prep friendly. Make a few servings of this in the beginning of the week to use for breakfast or lunch. The flavors deepen as it sits in the fridge, making it better the next day.
Packed with warming spices. Most of the ingredients are pantry friendly spices, which when blended together provide a warm and comforting flavor to a simple dish.
Rich in plant based protein. Tofu is a complete source of protein with all nine essential amino acids.
Ingredients
1 14-oz block extra firm tofu
2 shallots
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño
2 in piece raw ginger
1 ½ tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp cumin seeds
½ tbsp ajwain seeds
½ tbsp fenugreek
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp turmeric
1 tbsp berbere
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
Oil, for cooking
Method
PREP. Slice tofu into large slabs and press with a heavy object like a cast iron skillet. Mince shallot, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger.
MAKE KITFO BASE. Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium skillet. Once hot, add cumin, coriander, black pepper, ajwain, fenugreek, turmeric, and cinnamon. Toast until fragrant being careful to not let the spices burn, about 1 minute. Add shallots, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger. Cook until shallots have softened, about 3 minutes. Add berbere, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer until liquid has partially evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add mustard. Cook to infuse flavors, about 1 minute. Add salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
MAKE TOFU. Crumble tofu into a medium bowl. Add kitfo base to tofu. Mix well to combine.
SERVE. Serve kitfo warm with injera, toasted whole wheat bread, or a grain of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kitfo vegan? Kitfo is usually made with beef so it is not suitable for people on a plant-based diet. This rendition uses tofu instead of the beef to make it veg friendly.
What is berbere? Berbere is a popular Ethiopian spice blend that combines cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, fenugreek, paprika, allspice, and clove. It has a similar flavor profile to Indian garam masala but with a touch more sweetness from the higher amount of cardamom and cinnamon.
Where can I buy berbere? You can buy berbere at Whole Foods or at a local ethnic grocery store.
Do I need to press the tofu before using? If you are using high protein tofu, you do not need to press it as most of the moisture has already been removed.
How can I store tofu kitfo? If using within a week, store the kitfo in an airtight contaner in the fridge.