Spicy Ethiopian Stew Recipe

Name: The Steinbeck House Restaurant & Event Venues Spicy Ethiopian Stew Recipe
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Red lentils, rinsed; 3 cups Onions, finely chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoons Fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 2 tablespoons Berbere spice; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Ground cumin; 2 tablespoons Tomato paste; 1 cup Crushed tomatoes; 2 cups Vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped

Inspired by The Steinbeck House Restaurant & Event Venue

Time1h

Serves4

w / choice of Light Lemon Lentil or Spicy Sweet Potato Soup or Mixed Green Salad

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Ingredients

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Spicy Ethiopian Stew

1 1/2 cups Red lentils, rinsed

3 cups Onions, finely chopped

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tablespoons Fresh ginger, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Berbere spice

1 teaspoon Watkins paprika

1 teaspoon Ground cumin

2 tablespoons Tomato paste

1 cup Crushed tomatoes

2 cups Vegetable broth

1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

1 tablespoon ReaLemon lemon juice

2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped

Method

Spicy Ethiopian Stew

Prep and warm aromatics

Rinse red lentils and set aside. In a large heavy-bottom pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté onions

Add remaining olive oil and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized and brown, about 20–25 minutes.

Add garlic and ginger

Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Toast spices

Add berbere, paprika, and cumin. Toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to bloom the spices.

Build the base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Simmer lentils

Add red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and the stew has thickened. Add more broth if you prefer a looser texture.

Season and brighten

Season with salt. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

Finish and garnish

Turn off heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt or acidity as needed.

Serving pairings

This stew pairs beautifully with one of the following sides: Light Lemon Lentil, Spicy Sweet Potato Soup, or a Fresh Mixed Green Salad. Choose one to complete the meal.