Mitin Shiro vs Nech Shiro: Types of Ethiopian Shiro
Mitin shiro (ምጥን ሽሮ) is red and spiced with berbere. Nech shiro (ነጭ ሽሮ) is mild and golden, with no berbere. Both are Ethiopian shiro powders made from chickpeas and split yellow peas, and both cook into shiro wot. Choose mitin shiro for the classic red shiro wot with chili warmth, and nech shiro if you want it mild.
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Mitin shiro and nech shiro side by side
| Mitin Shiro (ምጥን ሽሮ) | Nech Shiro (ነጭ ሽሮ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Red | Golden |
| Taste | Spiced, with berbere chili warmth | Mild and savory, warmed by garlic, ginger and turmeric |
| Berbere | Yes, built in | None |
| Base | Chickpeas and split yellow peas | Chickpeas and split yellow peas |
| Best for | Classic red shiro wot | Mild shiro wot, and the shiro many families make for their kids |
| Size | 500 g | 500 g |
What is mitin shiro?
Mitin shiro is shiro powder that comes pre-spiced. The chickpeas and split peas are blended with berbere chili and Ethiopian spices, so the flavor is built in from the start. Stirred into onions, oil, garlic, berbere and tomato before the water goes in, it becomes shiro wot in minutes. If you like it stronger, add more berbere at the pot.
What is in our mitin shiro: split yellow beans, chickpeas, berbere chili (red chili pepper), red onion, garlic, Ethiopian sacred basil, rue, ginger, rosemary, korerima (Ethiopian cardamom), coriander seed, ajwain, fenugreek, salt, thyme and long pepper.
What is nech shiro?
Nech means white in Amharic. Nech shiro is the mild shiro: no berbere, so it cooks into a smooth, golden shiro wot. It is for anyone who loves shiro but prefers it without chili heat. Read more in our nech shiro guide.
What is in our nech shiro: chickpeas, split yellow peas, turmeric, red onion, garlic, ginger, ajwain, korerima, Ethiopian sacred basil, rosemary and rue.
Which shiro should I buy?
- You want classic red shiro wot: mitin shiro.
- You want it mild, or you are cooking for kids: nech shiro.
- Your household likes both: keep one of each. They cook the same dish two ways.
Questions about shiro
Do I still add berbere to mitin shiro?
You don't have to. Mitin shiro already has berbere in it. Add more at the pot if you like it stronger. That part is up to you.
Is shiro vegan?
Yes. Both our mitin shiro and nech shiro are made from chickpeas, split peas and spices, with no animal ingredients. See more dishes in our Ethiopian vegan food guide.
Is mitin shiro spicy?
It has the warmth of berbere chili built in. If you want no chili heat at all, choose nech shiro.
How do I store shiro?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place, away from the stove and direct sunlight.
Where can I buy mitin shiro and nech shiro?
Order both online from Yegna Mart. They are produced in Ethiopia, packed in Canada, and shipped across Canada and the U.S.
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Keep exploring
Make shiro wot, or see every spice we carry in our Ethiopian spice guide.