Mushroom Kitfo is a vegan twist on the traditional Ethiopian kitfo, offering a rich, meaty texture through the use of white mushrooms. It's sautéed with fresh rosemary, onions, and a blend of vibrant spices that include chili powder, cardamom, garlic, and a family-secret spice mix. The dish delivers bold, concentrated flavors and is typically served as part of a colorful vegan platter with injera and various vegetable sides.
Washington DC
Feru Ethiopian Cuisine
Mushroom Kitfo
White mushrooms / Cooking oil (vegan) / Fresh rosemary / Onions / Chili powder / Cardamom / Garlic / Secret family spice blend / Soy sauce / jalapeños
Signature Dish
From Prep to Plate
Seth heads to Feru where chef/owner Firehiwot Bireka prepares a vegan version of the traditional Ethiopian kitfo using white mushrooms for a meaty texture. She sautés onions with rosemary in oil, then adds the mushrooms along with chili powder, cardamom, garlic, soy sauce, jalapeños, and a secret family spice blend. The dish is part of a vibrant vegan platter. The meal is concluded with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, emphasizing the cultural and communal importance of sharing food and conversation.
I swoon over the kitfo here. Not the traditional version, made with raw minced meat, but a superior vegetarian one using diced mushrooms, jalapeños and mitmita, an orange-red spice blend that includes bird’s eye chile peppers and cardamom for bold effect.
Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post
