SPICY ETHIOPIAN LENTIL STEW

Introduction: Transport your taste buds to the vibrant culinary landscape of Ethiopia with our Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Stew. Bursting with bold spices, hearty lentils, and wholesome vegetables, this aromatic stew is a celebration of flavor and culture. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the intricacies of crafting this tantalizing dish, perfect for warming your soul on chilly evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner gathering.

Recipe Details:

  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ tsp. freshly grated ginger
  • 1-2 tbsp. berbere spice blend (adjust to taste)
  • ½-1 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional (for extra heat)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ cups dried split red lentils
  • 1 (14 oz. or 400 gram) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 medium red potatoes, diced (about ¾ lb. total)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, sliced

Additional Seasoning:

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, berbere spice blend, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
  2. Prepare Stew:
    • Pour in vegetable broth, dried split red lentils, diced tomatoes, and diced potatoes. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Simmer Until Tender:
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Spinach:
    • Once the lentils and potatoes are cooked to perfection, stir in the sliced fresh spinach leaves. Allow them to wilt slightly in the hot stew, approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Season and Serve:
    • Remove the stew from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. For those who crave more spice, feel free to add extra berbere spice blend or cayenne pepper according to your preference.

Nutritional Information:

  • Our Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.
  • Each serving provides approximately 300 calories, 18g of protein, 17.1g of fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium and iron.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Stew is a delightful fusion of robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or showcased as the star of a festive dinner spread, this stew is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and savor every spoonful of this sensational dish. Experience the rich tapestry of Ethiopian cuisine with our flavorful lentil stew today!


SPICY ETHIOPIAN LENTIL STEW

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ tsp. freshly grated ginger
1-2 tbsp. berbere spice blend, to taste, I went with 2 tablespoons but I like lots of spice
½-1 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste, optional
4 cups vegetable broth
1 ½ cups dried split red lentils
1 (14 oz. or 400 gram) can diced tomatoes
3 medium red potatoes, about ¾ lb. total, diced
3 cups fresh spinach leaves, sliced and lightly packed

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
Coat the bottom of a large pot with oil and place over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, berbere spice and cayenne and sauté 1 minute more.
Add broth, lentils, tomatoes and potatoes. Stir a few times, raise heat and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and allow to cook until lentils are very soft and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in spinach and continue to cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bit more berbere and cayenne, if desired.
Serve.
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Stew
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300Calories from Fat 59
% Daily Value*
Fat 6.5g10%
Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
Sodium 531mg22%
Potassium 1107mg32%
Carbohydrates 43.8g15%
Fiber 17.1g68%
Sugar 4.3g5%
Protein 18g36%
Calcium 50mg5%
Iron 5mg28%