Meet Limut Shiro: The Mild, Creamy Classic
As those of you who follow me on Instagram know, I have been to Ethiopia to visit
One of my fondest memories of returning to Ethiopia to visit family is the time spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, Amaarech. It was during one of these trips, while restocking our pantry and exploring the nuances of our local ingredients, that we worked together to perfect the blend for what has become a favorite for many of you: Limut Shiro.
While many people are familiar with the spicy, orange-red hue of Mitten Shiro, this milder variety is just as essential to the Ethiopian table.
What is Limut Shiro?
Limut translates to "plain" or "smooth." In the context of shiro, it simply means that the flour blend does not contain Berbere (our signature red chili blend). This gives the powder a light, off-white colour and a distinct flavour profile that lets the other ingredients shine.
But "plain" certainly doesn't mean flavorless.
Like all our shiros, this blend is built on a hearty foundation of roasted Ethiopian chickpeas, yellow peas, and fava beans, which provide that signature creamy texture when cooked.
To this base, we add a bouquet of traditional herbs and spices, including:
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Holy Basil (Besobela)
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Rosemary
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Fenugreek
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Ajowan
Because there is no chili heat to dominate the palate, you can really taste the earthy, nutty notes of the pulses and the aromatic lift of the herbs.
How to Use It
Limut Shiro is prepared in exactly the same way as our spicy Mitten Shiro. It is perfect for children, those with a lower tolerance for spice, or simply for days when you want a meal that feels like a warm, gentle hug.
It creates a rich, thick stew that is perfect for scooping up with injera. You can find two delicious shiro recipes in my eBook and a quick shiro recipe here on the website.
We are so grateful for the support you’ve shown our business since we launched. Seeing you use these blends to create a taste of home in your own kitchens is exactly why we started this journey.