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Baked Berbere Chicken Wings with Zesty Lime Dip Delight

A fusion of crispy chicken wings and vibrant zesty lime dip, enhanced with exotic berbere spices – perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 wings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Ethiopian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Wings
  • 1 kg chicken wings, jointed (Opt for fresh wings for the best flavor.)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (This helps with even roasting and a crispy texture.)
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes (Enhances the overall flavor of the wings.)
  • 2 tbsp runny honey (Adds a sweet caramelization that pairs perfectly with the spices.)
  • 8 pieces cardamom pods (Discard the pods and use only the ground seeds for a warm spice note.)
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds (Toasted and ground for depth and warmth.)
  • 2 tbsp smoked sweet paprika (Infuses a rich, smoky flavor that elevates the dish.)
  • 2 tsp garlic granules (Provides a savory, aromatic kick to the wings.)
  • 1 tsp dried chili flakes (Adds a lovely heat; adjust to taste for your spice preference.)
  • 1 tsp ground fenugreek (This unique spice contributes a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (Brings a warm, earthy element to the spice mix.)
  • ½ tsp ground ginger (Adds a subtle heat and brightness to the flavor profile.)
For the Zesty Lime Dip
  • 100 ml soured cream (The creamy base for the dip that cools the heat from the wings.)
  • 1 lime zested and juiced (The zesty lime brightens the dip, making it refreshing and tangy.)
  • lemon wedges (Perfect for squeezing over the wings for an extra citrusy burst.)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, vegetable oil, sea salt, and runny honey. Mix well to coat all the wings evenly.
  3. In a spice grinder or using a mortar and pestle, grind the cardamom and coriander seeds until fine. Add smoked paprika, garlic granules, chili flakes, fenugreek, cumin, and ginger. Mix these spices with the wings to ensure they are well coated with the flavorful mix.
  4. Spread the seasoned wings evenly on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Zesty Lime Dip Preparation
  1. While the wings are baking, prepare the zesty lime dip. In a small bowl, combine the soured cream, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well until smooth and season with salt to taste.
Serving
  1. Once the wings are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with lime dip and lemon wedges for squeezing over the wings.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture. Experiment with the level of heat by adjusting the amount of dried chili flakes in your spice mix. You can also grill the wings for a smoky flavor—just marinate and then cook on high heat for about 15 minutes until charred and cooked through.