Ethiopian berbere spiced veggie stew recipe
Ethiopian berbere spiced veggie stew is a vibrant, hearty dish, rich in Ethiopian flavors. Berbere, its key spice blend, includes chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices for a distinctive taste. This vegetarian and eggless stew is deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture, enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations. Let's start cooking to bring a taste of Ethiopia to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this delicious stew, you will need: one large onion (finely chopped), two cloves of garlic (minced), one tablespoon of grated ginger, two tablespoons of berbere spice mix, one cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), three cups of vegetable broth, one cup of red lentils (rinsed), two medium carrots (chopped), two potatoes (cubed), salt to taste, and freshly chopped cilantro for garnishing.
Prepare the base for the stew
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable oil for a healthier option. Saute the onion until it becomes translucent and soft. This should take about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another two minutes until fragrant. This base will give your stew an aromatic foundation.
Add spices and vegetables
Stir the berbere spice mix into the pot with onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a minute until fragrant, releasing its flavors. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, enhancing the sauce. Then, incorporate chopped carrots and cubed potatoes, ensuring they're coated with spices. This process melds the ingredients together, setting the stage for a flavor-rich stew.
Simmer till perfection
Pour the vegetable broth and rinsed red lentils into your pot, stirring well to avoid any lentil clumps. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat for a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables and lentils should become tender yet not mushy, achieving the ideal texture for your stew.
Final touches
Once all ingredients are cooked, check the seasoning and add salt to taste if needed, then remove from heat to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness. Enjoy this comforting bowl of Ethiopian berbere spiced veggie stew warm, accompanied by injera bread or rice, savoring flavors that transport you to Ethiopia from the comfort of your home.
