Mitmita

Mitmita (Amharic: ሚጥሚጣ) is a powdered seasoning mix used in the Ethiopian cuisine. It is orange-red in color and contains ground bird's eye chili peppers, cardamom seed, clove, and salt. It occasionally has other spices including cinnamon, cumin, and ginger.

Overview

Mitmita is hotter than berbere, another common Ethiopian spice, and is often used as a condiment to add heat to dishes. It is a key ingredient in the preparation of Doro Wat, a spicy Ethiopian stew, and Kitfo, a dish similar to steak tartare.

Mitmita's heat comes from the bird's eye chili peppers, which are one of the hottest types of peppers. The cardamom and clove add a complex flavor profile that complements the heat of the chili peppers. The salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and brings out their individual notes.

Usage

Mitmita is used in a variety of dishes in Ethiopian cuisine. It is often used as a rub for meat before it is cooked, or it can be sprinkled on top of a dish to add heat and flavor. It is also used in the preparation of certain types of Ethiopian cheese.

In addition to its use in cooking, Mitmita is also used as a table condiment, similar to how salt and pepper are used in Western cuisine. It is often served in a small dish on the side of a meal, allowing each diner to add as much or as little as they like to their food.

See also

• Berbere
• Cuisine of Ethiopia
• Doro Wat
• Kitfo