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EthiopianAuthentic Cuisine

Awaze Sauce

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegan, Appetizers

Awaze Sauce

Awaze Sauce is a staple of Ethiopian households, infusing daily meals with its bold and inviting aroma. This sauce, rooted in the rhythm of everyday cooking, is crafted with a simplicity that honors the essence of family dining. Each home has its own slight variation, but the heart remains the same—a warm, communal call to the table.

The flavor of Awaze is as vibrant as it is comforting, with the fiery kick of berbere tempered by the sweet mellowness of honey. The hint of tej or white wine adds depth, while olive oil or niter kibbeh brings a luscious touch. Garlic ties it all together, creating a sauce that is both complex and familiar, perfect for drizzling over meats or dipping with injera.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbspberbere
  • 2 tbsptej or white wine
  • 1 tbspolive oil or niter kibbeh
  • 1garlic clove — minced
  • 1 tsphoney — optional

Method

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 3 tablespoons of berbere into a small mixing bowl. Finely mince 1 garlic clove and add it to the bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of tej or white wine, depending on your preference, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or niter kibbeh for a richer flavor. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of honey to balance the heat of the berbere.
  2. Using a small spoon or a pestle, mix all the ingredients together in the bowl. Stir or pound the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. This should take a few minutes, and you will notice the paste becoming cohesive and slightly glossy. Taste the paste to check for heat and salt, adjusting if necessary by adding a pinch of salt or a bit more honey to suit your preference.
  3. Once the paste is smooth and well-mixed, transfer it to a small serving bowl. The texture should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to easily scoop with injera or other dishes. The aroma should be rich and spicy, inviting you to taste the vibrant flavors.
  4. Serve the Awaze Sauce alongside injera, kitfo, or tibs. It should complement the dishes with its bold, spicy, and slightly sweet profile. Enjoy the communal experience of Ethiopian dining, where this sauce enhances the flavors of every bite.
Cover of Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Ethiopian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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