Doro Wat & How To Make Spicy Ethiopian Chicken Stew

Cooking With Claudy

Video Stats

Host: Cooking With Claudy
Published: Aug 16, 2025
Views: 2.8k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Doro Wat is a beloved Ethiopian dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into a rich and flavorful stew. The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the caramelized onions, which take time to develop their sweetness and depth. As they cook down, the aroma fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the addition of garlic, ginger, and the signature Ethiopian spices.

The use of ghee, or clarified butter, is traditional in Ethiopian cooking and adds a lovely richness to the dish. It’s fascinating how a few key ingredients can create such a complex flavor profile. The chicken is cooked until tender, allowing it to absorb all the spices and flavors from the sauce. Adding boiled eggs at the end is a delightful touch, making each bite even more satisfying.

Serving Doro Wat with injera, a spongy flatbread, is customary, but it pairs beautifully with rice as well. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress guests with something unique and delicious. The combination of spices and the method of preparation make it a comforting meal that warms the soul. I can’t wait to try making this at home and share it with my loved ones!

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:34

Finely chop four large onions.

2
01:17

Wash the chicken with water and lemon slices, adding salt.

01:21

Tip: Use salt to wash the chicken for better cleaning.

3
01:48

Rinse the chicken thoroughly with water.

4
02:04

Add chopped onions to a pot and stir until caramelized for 20 to 30 minutes.

02:10

Tip: Stir the onions frequently to ensure even caramelization.

5
02:39

Add ginger and garlic paste, tomato paste, cooking oil, and salt to the pot.

02:48

Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the best flavor.

6
02:52

Add Ethiopian seasoning and chicken broth to the mixture.

7
03:13

Add ghee to the pot.

03:19

Tip: Ghee is a perfect substitute for Ethiopian clarified butter.

8
03:24

Add the washed chicken to the pot and stir to coat with sauce.

9
03:59

Add water to the pot to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.

04:08

Tip: Check the pot often while cooking to prevent burning.

10
04:18

Add the previously poked boiled eggs to the stew.

04:30

Tip: Let the sauce simmer to allow the eggs to soak up flavor.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Garlic4 cloves
Ginger2 tbsp
Tomato Paste2 tbsp
Cooking Oil2 tbsp
Salt1 tsp
Berbere Spice2 tbsp
Ghee2 tbsp
Egg4
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Chia Egg

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
35
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Doro Wat is a traditional Ethiopian dish known for its rich flavors and is often served during special occasions.
  • The dish typically includes a blend of spices, including Ethiopian berbere, which adds a unique heat and depth.
  • Caramelizing the onions is a crucial step that enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
  • Boiled eggs are often added to Doro Wat, soaking up the flavorful sauce.