African Chicken Fried Steak

In Africa cattle is very important. They are not just used for meat, but they also provide milk, leather, and even help with farming. Owning cattle shows that a family is wealthy and respected in their community. Cattle are used in traditional ceremonies and as gifts in weddings or to settle disputes. They are a crucial part of the economy in many places, helping people earn money and trade goods.

Cattle are domesticated bovine animals like cows, bulls, oxen, and calves raised for their meat, milk, and labor, Ethiopia has the most cattle in Africa. Beef is a common part of the Ethiopian diet used in traditional dishes such as tibs, a stir-fried beed, kitfo, a minced raw beef recipe.

Cattle play a crucial role in food recipes, traditional ceremonies and cultural practices across Africa. 

The Oromo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, use cattle for milk, meat, hides, and as a symbol of wealth and status. The Somali pastoralist communities in the eastern regions of Ethiopia and the Afar people, living in the arid northeastern part of Ethiopia depend on cattle for their livelihood, using them for milk, meat, and trading. 

In many other traditional African cultures, when a man wants to marry a woman, he gives her family a bride price, often paid in cattle. This practice is known as lobola in southern Africa. The number of cattle given shows the man's respect and commitment to his future wife's family. For example, in the Zulu culture of South Africa, a groom might give around 11 cattle as lobola.

Cattle are used in funeral ceremonies to honor the deceased. In some cultures, a cow is usually slaughtered to provide meat for the mourners. The hide used to make a special burial mat. This practice helps ensure that the deceased is remembered and respected.

Cattle are part of initiation rites for young menthroughout Africa. For instance, in the Maasai community in Kenya and Tanzania, young men (moran) must demonstrate their bravery and skills, often involving cattle, as part of their rite of passage into adulthood.

Cattle are used in religious ceremonies as sacrifices to ancestors or deities. This is a way to seek blessings, protection, or to give thanks. For example, among the Dinka people of South Sudan, cattle are offered in rituals to ensure good health and prosperity for the community.

Imagine a family in the Maasai community of Kenya. This family owns 50 cattle, which is a large number for their village. Because of their cattle, they have enough milk to drink and sell, which helps them buy other necessities like clothes and school supplies for their children. They also use some of their cattle to help plow their fields, making their farming more productive.

When the family's oldest son gets married, they give 10 cattle to the bride's family as lobola. This act not only strengthens the relationship between the two families but also shows the community that they are generous and prosperous. 

Later, when the family's grandfather passes away, they slaughter a cow for the funeral. The meat feeds the mourners, and the hide is used to make a special burial mat, ensuring that the grandfather is honored properly.

This family's cattle have provided them with food, income, social connections, and a way to participate in important cultural traditions, all of which highlight their wealth and respected status in their community.

Recipe for Ethiopian Chicken Fried Steak 

Ingredients

4 beef steaks 

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon of Berbere spice (find it on Amazon)

2 eggs

1 cup fullfat buttermilk 

1 cup bread crumbs

Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, Berbere spice. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the buttermilk. Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the bread crumbs. Make sure each steak is well-coated.

In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded steaks in the hot oil. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the steaks from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with fresh tomato salad, a simple salad with chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Gravy for Ethiopian Chicken Fried Steak

1/4 cup vegetable oil (or the drippings from the fried steak)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon Berbere spice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

To make a flavorful gravy for your Ethiopian Chicken Fried Steak, start by heating 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or the drippings left from frying the steak in a skillet over medium heat. If needed, add more oil to make up the difference. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. 

Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef broth, followed by 1 cup of whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken. 

Add 1 tablespoon of Berbere spice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. 

If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more milk or broth to thin it out. Pour the hot, spicy gravy over the Ethiopian Chicken Fried Steak.