In a medium saucepan, toast chickpea flour over medium heat. Remove to a small bowl once it turns a light brown.
Add pureed onions to the same saucepan and saute until the become dry and are beginning to color, about 4 minutes. Add oil and the berbere spice to the onions. Stir 2 more minutes until they become fragrant. Stir in tomato and garlic and saute another 2-3 minutes.
With saucepan still over medium heat, whisk in half the chickpea flour. Gradually add half the water. Whisk in the rest of the chickpea flour and then add the remaining water. Continue whisking until mixture becomes very smooth. If you prefer the Shiro a little thinner, add some more water, up to ½ cup
Simmer until it begins to pop. Add the niter kibbeh*, garlic powder, sugar, and salt to taste. Continue simmering until the flavors combine and oil begins to seperate, about 5- 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped jalapeno, if desired, and serve over injera.