Can I use fresh beef instead of dried beef (quanta)?

While traditional Quanta Firfir uses dried beef for its unique texture and concentrated flavor, you can use thinly sliced fresh beef (like sirloin or flank steak) cut into small pieces. Brown it well before adding the tomatoes and simmer until tender. The cooking time will vary.

Where can I buy injera?

Injera can often be found at Ethiopian or Eritrean grocery stores, international markets, or sometimes even larger supermarkets with a diverse ethnic food section. Some online retailers also ship injera.

Can I freeze Quanta Firfir?

While technically possible, freezing firfir with injera can alter the injera's texture, making it a bit mushy upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days. If you must freeze, freeze the sauce separately and add fresh injera when reheating.

What if I don't have berbere?

While berbere is crucial for authentic flavor, you can create a simplified substitute by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of fenugreek. It won't be identical, but it will provide some of the characteristic warmth.

Quanta Firfir Recipe

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Quanta Firfir is a variation of the popular Firfir family that can be eaten for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. But what makes Quanta Firfir truly unique is the Quanta, which is dried meat similar to beef jerky.

Author: Sara Bayou
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Simmer/Sauté
Cuisine: Ethiopian

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium (240g total) injera
14 oz (397g) dried beef, thinly sliced
⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
4 medium (500g total) ripe chopped tomatoes
2 medium (240g total) chopped red onions
1 tbsp (15g) minced garlic
½ cup (120ml/112g) niter kibbeh
2 tbsp (10g) berbere
2 tsp (10g) salt
3 cups (720ml) water

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Instructions

Begin by cooking the onions in a large-sized saucepan at medium-high heat; until the onions start to turn brown for approx. 5 min – with the lid covered.
Then add the garlic and vegetable oil and continue cooking for around 5 more minutes until you get a fragrant smell.
Add the tomatoes while stirring and continue cooking for around 6 minutes until they get soft.
Next, add half a cup of water and the dried beef, along with some berbere. Then lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for around 10 minutes.
After that, continue to cook adding a third of a cup every now and then for around 20 minutes until the sauce thickens, and the dried beef softens.
Then add the nitter kibbeh and some salt and stir the mix.
Finally, take 1 injera and shred it into smaller pieces and add them to the sauce. Then mix the Quantata Firfir thoroughly but very gently until the injera soaks in the sauce properly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 350g
Calories: 550-580 kcal
Sugar: 6-8g
Sodium: 1,400-1,500mg
Fat: 30-32g
Saturated Fat: 12-14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16-18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35-38g
Fiber: 4-5g
Protein: 30-32g
Cholesterol: 80-90mg

Find it online: https://ethiopianroots.com/quanta-firfir-recipe/