Berbere Lentils: A Taste of Ethiopia in Your Kitchen
Looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with something healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Berbere Lentils! This vibrant Ethiopian-inspired dish is packed with aromatic spices and hearty lentils, creating a warm and comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to East Africa with this simple and delicious recipe.
BERBERE LENTILS
INGREDIENTS
LENTILS & VEGETABLES
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup water (or more, as needed)
SPICES
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
OPTIONAL GARNISH
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Plain yogurt or coconut milk (for vegan option)
INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARING THE LENTILS
- 1. Rinse the red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
COOKING THE BERBERE LENTILS
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Stir in the berbere spice blend, cumin, turmeric powder, and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- 6. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 7. Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- 8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent sticking.
- 9. Once the lentils are cooked, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- 10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- 11. For a richer and creamier dish, you can stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or coconut milk just before serving.
- 12. Berbere Lentils are delicious served on their own, with injera bread (Ethiopian flatbread), rice, or quinoa.
Berbere Lentils are not only incredibly flavorful but also a healthy and budget-friendly meal option. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less berbere spice blend. Enjoy exploring the wonderful world of Ethiopian cuisine right in your own kitchen, and savor the warmth and depth of flavors in every spoonful! Happy cooking!
