The best way to learn how to cook Ethiopian dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen is to find a great cookbook.
This list includes amazing Ethiopian cookbooks that are all written by female chefs (see also "Female Chef Moroccan Cookbooks You Do Not Want To Miss"). Keep reading to find out which one is going to be best for you.
Luladey Moges grew up in Ethiopia where she was taught to cook by the women in her family.
When she moved to the United States, she was keen to share her native cuisine and love of cooking with her friends.
This, in conjunction with her successful career in hospitality and fine dining management, makes her a true authority on how to put together a fantastic menu of delightful Ethiopian dishes.
Pros:
Photographs - There are fantastic photographs to accompany the recipes
Advice - As well as recipes, there is information about the ingredients and the language
Authentic - This book is written by an Ethiopian who learned to cook in their native country, and encompasses the social aspect of Ethiopian cuisine
Cons:
Ingredients - Some of the ingredients can be difficult to get hold of depending on where you live
Mulunesh Belay is a chef, teacher and restaurateur. She is well known for fantastic Ethiopian food and addictive recipes that keep her customers coming back for more.
This book contains 78 of her best recipes, all with step by step instructions to help you achieve the perfect results.
You will be able to create authentic, traditional flavors using modern techniques, making it easy to become a master of Ethiopian cooking from your own kitchen.
Pros:
Authentic - These recipes use authentic ingredients and create a traditional flavor
Recipes - The recipes are instructional and easy to follow
Photographs - The photos help to guide you through the recipes
Cons:
Preparation - Some of these recipes require a lot of preparation and are not quick to make
If you want to become a true master of Ethiopian cooking, this book is an ideal option for you.
It is not just a collection of recipes - it will teach you the foundations of the cuisine and how to create the bases for the sauces, giving you more creative freedom when it comes to building a truly authentic Ethiopian feast.
It also has tips on how to save time, making Ethiopian cooking more practical and accessible for everyday cooks.
Pros:
Photography - The photos help to show you what you are aiming for
Recipes - There is a good range of recipes to choose from
Informative - This book is very informative and helpful
Cons:
Finishing species - Some recipes are unclear as to how much spice to add in the final stages of the recipe
Sarah Casey Smith has released several popular cookbooks which delve into different cuisines.
This book is ideal for a beginner who has a limited knowledge of Ethiopian cuisine.
It includes information about the geography and history of Ethiopia, the main ingredients used in Ethiopian cooking, and recipes for the most popular dishes and beverages.
Pros:
Informative - This book has some interesting and useful information
Recipes - It includes the most popular Ethiopian recipes
Photography - There are great photos to accompany the recipes
Cons:
Authenticity - This book was written by an enthusiast rather than an expert
This book is part of a series written by Slavka Bodic, which explores various cuisines from across the world.
It is designed to be suitable for cooks of all levels of experience and is a great way to expand your knowledge and include some more exciting dishes into your menu.
It includes 111 Ethiopian recipes, offering an excellent range of dishes for you to try.
Pros:
Variety - There is a great variety of recipes to choose from
Photography - The photos are lovely and help to guide you
Recipes - The recipes are well-written and easy to follow
Cons:
Authenticity - This book is not written by an Ethiopian chef
This book is designed as an introduction to Ethiopian food for beginners.
It teaches you the basics and includes some of the more popular recipes, along with mouth-watering photographs.
It is a great way to build your confidence with a new cuisine if you have less experience in the kitchen.
Pros:
Simple - The recipes are simple and easy to follow
Photography - The photographs are very helpful
Recipes - It includes the most popular Ethiopian recipes
Cons:
Basic - More advanced chefs won’t be able to get much use out of this book
How To Choose The Best Ethiopian Cookbook
All of these cookbooks look amazing, so how do you know which one is going to be best for you? Here are some things that you should keep in mind when deciding which book to buy.
Instructions
If you have never cooked Ethiopian food before then you will need clear instructions that are easy to follow.
This will ensure that you are doing everything correctly. They should be in a step by step format with simple wording.
It is best to find a book that includes photographs and/or illustrations and diagrams to give you visual aids, and to show you what the final dish is supposed to look like.
Recipes
Ethiopian cuisine has a variety of different dishes including meat stews and vegetarian recipes.
Make sure that the cookbook you buy has a good range of recipes that you can try so you have a comprehensive introduction into the cuisine and the cooking style.
You should also make sure that there are plenty of recipes included in the book, so that it will last you a long time.
Ingredients
When you start learning how to cook a different cuisine, it means getting used to using new ingredients.
Make sure that the ingredients included are available in your local area or to buy online. It is helpful if the cookbook includes some guidance on how to use these new ingredients.
Summary
Any of these books would be an excellent choice for helping you learn how to make Ethiopian food.
They include a great range of recipes and clear instructions to help you understand what you are supposed to be doing.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ethiopian cooking.
What Is Ethiopian Cuisine?
Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by earthy and spicy flavors that are paired with tart, sour flavors for a unique blend of tastes.
There are various different stews, some with meat and some with vegetables, and legumes like chickpeas are also used.
What Is The Most Famous Ethiopian Dish?
One of the most well known Ethiopian dishes is Shekla Tibs.
It varies depending on who makes it, but it tends to be pan fried meat with butter, garlic and onion. It is served in a clay dish with various side dishes and condiments.
Is Ethiopian Food Typically Spicy?
Ethiopian food tends to be very spicy but it is also aromatic and full of flavor.
When you cook Ethiopian food at home you can use less chillies or chili powder to make it more mild if you need to.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
