
Spiced Red Lentil and Chickpea Stew with Injera
Imagine the warmth of an Ethiopian kitchen, the air thick with the aroma of berbere and niter kibbeh — but here, we're making it wholly vegan without losing a speck of soul. This stew wraps you in a deep, brick-red embrace, thanks to the berbere spice blend that tingles with chili, fenugreek, and a whisper of ginger. You'll find tender red lentils melting into a rich, savory base, while chickpeas add hearty pops of texture. The magic happens as you tear off a piece of injera — that spongy, tangy flatbread — and scoop up a generous mouthful. It's not just a meal; it's a ritual of sharing, a taste of tradition made for modern tables. You'll feel the comfort seep right into your bones with every bite.
Ingredients
- red lentils200g
- cooked chickpeas240g
- berbere spice blend3 tbsp
- onion, finely chopped1 large
- garlic cloves, minced4
- fresh ginger, grated1 tbsp
- tomato paste2 tbsp
- vegetable oil3 tbsp
- water750ml
- salt1 tsp
- injera (store-bought or homemade)4 pieces
- fresh cilantro, choppedto garnish
Nutrition
Directions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and golden, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then add the berbere spice blend, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the spices in the oil.
- 3
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until it deepens in color and starts to caramelize slightly. This builds a rich, deep flavor base for the stew.
- 4
Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil. Add the red lentils, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and breaking down.
- 5
Fold in the cooked chickpeas and salt. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken to a hearty, spoonable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
To serve, place a piece of injera on each plate. Ladle the stew generously over the center, letting it soak into the spongy bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with extra injera on the side.
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