Ethiopian Lentil Stew

Here at Cottage Foods it has been a long few weeks of being cold, cold in the warehouse, cold in our delivery vehicles, even cold in the office.

However, fear not, we have the answer to warm our cold bones!

A healthy Vegan Ethiopian-spiced Stew with lentil. Laced with a home made berbere spice mix and Niter kibbeh. You will love this protein packed meal….

To some people, Lentils may be synonymous with broths and cuisine from the 80’s. However, this Ethiopian Lentil Stew is rich, layered, and full of complex flavours.
It’s great with when served with this injera.

We have loved making our own Berebere spice mix the quintessential spice mix for Ethiopian cuisine – Berebere. See our mini recipe below;

BERBERE SPICE MIX

2 tbsp of Triple Lion dried bird's eye chillies
1 tsp of Triple Lion black peppercorns
2 tsp of Triple Lion coriander seeds
2 tsp of Triple Lion cumin seeds
1 tsp of Triple Lion cardamom pod
1/2 tsp of Triple Lion cloves
1 tsp Blackthorn Sea Salt Flakes
2 tsp of Triple Lion smoked paprika
2 tsp of Triple Lion paprika
1 tsp of Triple Lion ground ginger
1 tsp of Triple Lion ground cinnamon
1 tsp of Triple Lion ground nutmeg

Toast lightly all of the above and grind in a pestle and mortar

LENTIL STEW INGREDIENTS

1 -2 Tablespoons Muller Salted Butter
¼ cup Olive oil
1 large onion diced
1 1/2 Tablespoons berbere spice (recipe above)
2 teaspoons minced Black Garlic
1/2 Tablespoon Triple Lion ground ginger
1 teaspoon of Triple Lion cumin
1-2 teaspoons of Triple Lion smoked paprika
1 cup of Triple Lion lentils soaked for 2 hours
1 Tablespoons Tomato puree
2 cups or more Vegetable broth 
2 tablespoons or more chopped parsley/Cilantro
Blackthorn Sea Salt Flakes to taste

Instructions

Heat up large sauce-pan with oil, spiced butter, then add onions, berbere spice, garlic, ginger, cumin, and smoked paprika, stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until onions is translucent.

Then add soaked lentils, tomato paste, stir and sauté for about 2-3 more minutes.
Add stock or water . Salt

Bring to a boil and let it simmer until sauce thickens, it might take about 30 minutes or depending on how you like your lentils.

Throw in some parsley, adjust for salt, pepper and stew consistency.

Serve warm and enjoy the tastes of Africa....