Envelope Phone Facebook-f Instagram

Shiro
From Neil Johnson Chair of Trustees, Lalibela Trust

Shiro is a Wott which traditionally accompanies injera. 

Wott is a general term for a wide range of recipes which produce small mounds of usually spicy food placed on top of the injera.   It is eaten with the fingers and in an intimate social group “fingers full” are offered to the open mouth of the person next to or near to you.   This process is known as gursha – a sign of friendship, love, or hospitality. This cultural practice highlights the communal aspect of eating in Ethiopia, where sharing food is a way to bond and show affection.

The picture here shows various Wotts.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup shiro powder (ground chickpeas, available in Ethiopian markets or online)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or niter kibbeh (clarified butter)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat the Oil: In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  1. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  1. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  1. Add Spices: Mix in the ground cumin and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
  1. Add Water/Broth: Gradually pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  1. Incorporate Shiro Powder: Slowly whisk in the shiro powder to avoid lumps. Stir continuously as it thickens. 
  1. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
  1. Season: Add salt to taste and adjust spices if necessary.
  1. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot with injera.

Home

Medical Conditions

Existing Health Problems

Events try to make themselves accessible and welcoming to people with health problems and disabilities. With a bit of thought and planning, many potential difficulties can be overcome. Here are a few things to consider:

Medication

Bring with you enough of your medication to last till you get home
Check the advice on our Prescribed Medicines page

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Bear in mind that festival sites can be difficult to get around at the best of times and pretty well impossible in bad weather if your mobility is poor
Many events have a Disabilities Coordinator, who will be able to advise you on any special provisions made

Medical Information

If you have a complicated medical history, it will be really helpful if you bring a summary with you (your doctor’s surgery may let you have a print-out)
Let us know if you have to carry out any special procedures to keep well – we may be able to provide facilities and assistance

Pregnancy and recent childbirth

We do not believe a festival site is a suitable place for childbirth, or indeed for very young babies
FMS does not provide midwifery services and will advise getting you to the nearest hospital if you go into labour

Recent surgery

If you have recently undergone surgery, ask your GP or hospital for advice about any special precautions to take and whether it is a good idea to go
Bring supplies of dressings with you. We can change these for you but may not have the particular ones you need

Infection

Festival sites are not sterile! Bear this in mind if your condition makes you particularly prone to infection
FMS cannot provide special toilet or washing facilities.