Doro Wat (Chicken Stewed in Red Pepper Paste)

Ingredients

• 1-2 1/2 lb chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup niter kebbeh
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped gingerroot
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup berbere
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse and dry the chicken pieces.

2. 2

   Rub them with lemon juice and salt.

3. 3

   Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. 4

   In a heavy enamel stewpot, cook the onions over moderate heat for about 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Do not let brown or burn.

6. 6

   Stir in the niter kebbeh.

7. 7

   Then add the garlic and spices.

8. 8

   Stir well.

9. 9

   Add the berbere and paprika, and saute for 3-4 minutes.

10. 10

    Pour in the wine and water and bring to a boil.

11. 11

    Cook briskly, uncovered, for about 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Pat the chicken dry and drop it into the simmering sauce, turning the pieces about until coated on all sides.

13. 13

    Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

14. 14

    Meanwhile, piece the hard-boiled eggs with the tines of a fork, piercing approximately 1/4" into the egg all over the surface.

15. 15

    After the chicken has cooked, add the eggs and turn them gently in the sauce.

16. 16

    Cover and cook the doro wat for 15 more minutes.

17. 17

    Add pepper to taste.