Doro Wat

Content… The Authentic Recipe Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Amazing Stew Recipes to Try  Conclusion Watch How to Make It

Authentic Doro Wat

This version of Doro Wat, aka Doro Wot, is true to its roots. Plus, it’s easy to put together and packed with robust flavors from the spices. The berbere spice mix and Ethiopian spiced butter add dimension to the dish and incredible depth of flavor. And oh, the caramelized onion packs a drool-worthy punch. It does indeed!!!!

Folks! This spicy Ethiopian chicken stew is African comfort food at its best. If you want a great introduction to Ethiopian cooking, this is it!

Recipe Ingredients

Some of the ingredients may be new to you but don’t worry because I’ve got you covered with homemade spice mixes. Your girl is looking out for you! So not having an Ethiopian market next door won’t slow you down.

1. Chicken – Traditionally, a whole chicken cut into 12 pieces is used in this Ethiopian dish to represent the 12 tribes of Jacob (from the Bible). But feel free to use any cut of chicken you prefer. 😉
2. Aromatics – Take your time sauteing the onion, garlic, ginger, and the unique blend of spices from the Ethiopian spiced butter. This allows them to fully release their delectable savory goodness that will indeed reflect our sauce base. Yum!
3. Boiled Eggs – You can’t go wrong with adding more protein. Let them simmer with the sauce for a more effective flavor absorption.
4. Tomato Paste – Besides adding a rich tanginess, it also adds a lovely deep reddish hue to our spicy chicken stew.
5. Seasonings – Berbere spice is the key ingredient in this recipe. It holds different flavors from a diverse blend of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, fenugreek, cardamom, and cumin, giving our stew its authentic taste. I also added more paprika and basil to deepen the flavor. 
6. Lemon – The lemon juice somewhat gives our dish a refreshing zing and balances the fat in the spiced butter. 

How to Make Doro Wat

Saute the Aromatics

• Prep the Chicken – Season chicken with salt and pepper, and set aside.
• Saute – Heat a large pot over medium heat until hot, then add the spiced butter and onions. Sauté onions, frequently stirring, until they are deep brown – 7-10 minutes. (Photos 1-2)
• Add Berbere Spice – After the onions are caramelized or reach a deep brown color, add some more oil, followed by the berbere spice, garlic, and ginger. (Photo 3)
• Continue Stirring – Stir for about 2-3 minutes for the flavors to blossom, and the mixture has a deep rich brown color. Be careful not to let it burn. (Photo 4)

Make the Stew

• Add Water – Then add about 2-3 cups of water. Add chicken, tomato paste, paprika, basil, and salt, and cook for about 30 minutes.
• Then Eggs – Throw in the eggs and lemon juice; thoroughly mix to ensure that the eggs are immersed in the sauce.
• Simmer – Continue cooking until chicken is tender, 10 minutes or more.
• Adjust Seasoning – Adjust sauce thickness and seasoning with water or broth, lemon, and salt according to preference.
• Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

1. Meat Options – Another version you’ll love is Sega Wat, which is made with beef instead of chicken. But if you’re not after the authenticity, feel free to substitute the chicken with pork or seafood, like fish, shrimp, squid, mussels, and scallops. Oh yes!
2. Veggie Additions – Make this delicious stew even more filling and nourishing by adding veggies, like carrots, potatoes, squash, bell peppers, and celery. Fantastic! Or try a vegetarian version – Zucchini Wat and Ethiopian Lentil Stew.
3. Spicier – You can always add more pepper flakes and cayenne if you feel it’s not spicy enough. Or ramp up the heat with serrano, habanero, jalapeno, or Scotch bonnet peppers for an irresistible mouthful of smoking sassiness. 

Tips and Tricks

1. Instead of water, you can also use chicken broth to add more umami flavor. But go gentle on the salt as the broth already has salt.
2. The longer you saute the aromatics, the better. Because sauteing releases the natural savory flavor of the aromatics as the onion caramelizes. But this requires frequent stirring to prevent them from scorching at the bottom of the pan. 
3. If you don’t have spiced butter, either make your own blend or saute the aromatics in butter instead. Then add allspice, cardamon, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg to compensate for the missing flavors. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

Stews are usually served on the same day because you can hardly resist them (admit it!), but they are actually better the next day, like this yummy Doro Wat here. Time allows all the flavor to settle in and seep into the fibers of the chicken, giving you a more soul-satisfying deliciousness with every bite. 

The good news is that you just need to cook it as instructed and store it in the fridge once cooled. And when you are ready to serve, warm it up again and enjoy. 😉

Serving and Storing Instructions

To fully immerse in Ethiopian cuisine, I suggest eating this succulent Doro Wat with injera, a crepe-like flatbread made with cornflour, sorghum, flour, yeast, and baking soda. I’m telling you, no bowls will be left dirty because you’ll be wiping them clean with this utterly addicting injera. 😉

Storing Doro Wot is as easy as transferring it to an airtight container. Once cooled, refrigerate it for up to four days. Or, if you intend to save it for later, you can also store it in the freezer for 4-6 months. I suggest keeping it in a heavy-duty freezer-safe resealable bag to save freezer space, but an airtight container will also work fine. 😉

FAQs

What to Serve with Doro Wat

Aside from injera and rice, you can also complete your sensory vacation to Ethiopia with these recipes below.

1. Ethiopian Collard Greens
2. Stewed Lentils

You can also enjoy our stew with these bread recipes to clean your bowl.

1. Flatbread
2. Potato Bread Rolls
3. Pita Bread
4. Homemade Bread Sticks

More Amazing Stew Recipes to Try

1. Jamaican Oxtail Stew
2. Okra Stew
3. Fried Plantains with Poulet DG
4. Fish Stew
5. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Conclusion

Doro Wat makes a mouthwatering starter if you are new to Ethiopian cuisine. Are you hungry for more delicious African dishes? Then subscribe to my newsletter for more fabulous recipes like this. ❤️

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in October 2015 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.