Authentic Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter)

Step 1

Toast the whole spices over medium heat in a dry skillet for a few minutes until very fragrant.  Be careful not to scorch the spices or they will become bitter.  Set aside.

Step 2

Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring it to an extremely low simmer.  Continue to simmer over low for at least one hour or up to 90 minutes.  BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO BURN THE BUTTER.  If it burns it will be bitter and there is no salvaging it.

Step 3

Pour everything through a fine-mesh cheesecloth.  (No need to skim off the foam, everything will be removed during straining.) Pour the niter kibbeh into a jar, let it cool, and cover so that it is airtight.  It will keep at room temperature for several weeks, in the fridge for at least a couple of months, and even longer in the freezer (it will be hard in the fridge and freezer, let it come to room temp for easy scooping).  Makes about 2 cups.