Ethiopian-style Beef Heart Skewers

Ingredients

In this Ethiopian adaptation, we substitute the traditional Peruvian marinade with an awaze sauce, which is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. The awaze sauce adds a distinct Ethiopian flavor profile to the dish, incorporating spices like berbere, paprika, garlic, and ginger. Additionally, the original dish uses beef heart as the main protein, which remains unchanged in this Ethiopian version. We alse have the original recipe for Anticucho de corazon, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef heart, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef heart, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice 2 tablespoons berbere spice
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the berbere spice, paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, tomato paste, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Mix well to form a thick marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the beef heart pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated beef heart pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Ethiopian-style Beef Heart Skewers with injera and a side of tangy tomato salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef Heart — Make sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the beef heart before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure a more tender and flavorful end result.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find beef heart, you can substitute it with beef sirloin or tenderloin for a milder flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness of the awaze sauce by adding more or less berbere spice according to your preference.
• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water before grilling will prevent them from burning.

Serving advice

Serve the Ethiopian-style Beef Heart Skewers hot off the grill, accompanied by injera and a side of tangy tomato salad. The injera can be used to wrap the skewers, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside a bowl of injera and a vibrant tomato salad to create an enticing and visually appealing presentation.