Tesmi

Tesmi

ጸስሚ (TES-mee)

Eritrean Spiced Clarified Butter

Prep Time 30 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
16

Clarified butter infused with garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, and basil, the essential cooking fat of Eritrean cuisine.

Nutrition & Info

100 kcal per serving
Fat 11.0g

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

small heavy pot fine strainer cheesecloth glass jar

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass jar or small bowl

Garnishes: none

Accompaniments: used in all cooking

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut butter into chunks and melt slowly over low heat in a heavy pot without stirring.

  2. 2

    Once melted, add garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, basil, turmeric, and cinnamon.

  3. 3

    Simmer on lowest heat for twenty minutes, never letting it boil, as milk solids sink and foam rises.

  4. 4

    Skim any foam from the surface and continue simmering until the butter is clear and golden.

  5. 5

    Strain through cheesecloth into a clean glass jar, discarding the solids and spices.

  6. 6

    Store at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for several months.

💡

Did You Know?

A household's tesmi recipe is closely guarded, and the aroma of tesmi being made signals a celebration is coming.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • small heavy pot
  • fine strainer
  • cheesecloth
  • glass jar

Garnishing

none

Accompaniments

used in all cooking

The Story Behind Tesmi

Tesmi is the aromatic heart of Eritrean cooking, a spiced clarified butter that infuses every dish with warmth and complexity. The technique of clarifying butter with spices evolved as a practical solution for preserving dairy in a warm climate while simultaneously building flavor. Every Eritrean cook has their own spice blend for tesmi, making it one of the most personal elements of the cuisine.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed cooking essential, made in batches 📜 Origins: Ancient Eritrean

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