Holidays & Special Occasions
Tsom-Breaking Kitcha Fit-Fit
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Kicha flatbread, torn into pieces
- 90 g (6 tbsp) Niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
- 1 tsp Berbere spice blend
- 200 g (3/4 cup) Plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp Honey, for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Method
- Melt the niter kibbeh in a wide frying pan over medium heat.
- Stir in the berbere and salt and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the torn kicha pieces and toss thoroughly to coat in the spiced butter.
- Warm through for 3–4 minutes, tossing gently, until the bread is heated but not soggy.
- Transfer to a serving platter and top generously with yogurt.
- Drizzle with honey just before serving.
Introduction: Following the many fasting periods (Tsom) observed in the Eritrean Orthodox calendar, this richer version of kitcha fit-fit — made with butter and topped generously with yogurt and honey — marks the return of dairy to the table and is shared joyfully among family members.
Cultural Background: Following the many fasting periods (Tsom) observed in the Eritrean Orthodox calendar, this richer version of kitcha fit-fit — made with butter and topped generously with yogurt and honey — marks the return of dairy to the table and is shared joyfully among family members.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; not well suited to storing once assembled.
Reheating: The bread base can be gently reheated on its own; add fresh yogurt and honey just before serving.
Tips: Use good-quality niter kibbeh for the most authentic celebratory flavour. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the yogurt cool, for the best contrast.
Variations: Add chopped fresh fruit on top for extra festivity. Use clarified butter with a pinch of cardamom for a more fragrant version. Naturally vegan if made with oil rather than butter; traditionally made rich with butter and yogurt to mark breaking the fast.
Nutrition: Calories: 340 kcal · Protein: 8 g · Carbs: 36 g · Fat: 18 g · Fiber: 3 g
FAQs:
Q: Why is this dish tied to the end of fasting?
A: Butter, yogurt and honey are all avoided during Tsom fasting periods, so their generous return in this dish marks the celebratory end of a fast.
Q: How is this different from the everyday Kitcha Fit-Fit breakfast in this book?
A: This version is deliberately richer and more generously topped, since it marks a specific celebratory occasion rather than daily eating.
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