Ethiopian Spiced Lentils with Sweet Potatoes
This hearty Ethiopian-style stew combines the earthiness of lentils with the sweetness of yams or sweet potatoes, creating a comforting, nutritious dish that's perfect for any meal. Inspired by traditional Ethiopian flavors, this recipe features a blend of warm spices such as paprika, coriander, and fenugreek, bringing a rich and aromatic depth to the stew. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable; feel free to spice it up with a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling adventurous. This dish offers a delightful way to enjoy plant-based proteins and vibrant vegetables all in one bowl.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 (diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (minced)
Sweet potato or yam
1/2 small (diced)
Red bell pepper
1/4 (diced)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Split red lentils
2 tablespoons (rinsed)
Tomato paste
1-2 tablespoons
Water
1 cup
Paprika
3/4 teaspoon
Ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Ground fenugreek
1/4 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
Salt or soy sauce
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and diced sweet potato or yam. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are almost translucent and the sweet potato begins to soften.
3
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for an additional minute.
4
Add the split red lentils, tomato paste, and water to the pot. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, stir in the paprika, ground coriander, allspice, fenugreek, and ground ginger.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the water has been absorbed.
7
Remove from heat and season with salt, soy sauce, and black pepper to taste.
8
Serve warm, either on its own or with your favorite flatbread or rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Ethiopian Spiced Lentils with Sweet Potatoes, a hearty and aromatic stew.
What kind of lentils are used?
The recipe calls for split red lentils which have been rinsed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and olive oil.
How long does it take to simmer the stew?
The stew should simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.
What spices give the dish its Ethiopian flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of paprika, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, fenugreek, and ground ginger.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 a small sweet potato or a yam.
How much water is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of water to cook the lentils and vegetables.
What aromatics are sautéed at the beginning?
The recipe starts by sautéing onion, garlic, and fresh minced ginger.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want to increase the heat level.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Is there fresh ginger in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger in addition to ground ginger.
What kind of bell pepper is added?
The recipe includes 1/4 of a diced red bell pepper.
When do I add the tomato paste?
Add the tomato paste to the pot along with the lentils and water before bringing the mixture to a boil.
What should I do if the lentils are still hard after 20 minutes?
Continue to simmer and stir occasionally until they reach a tender consistency.
Is soy sauce an ingredient?
Yes, soy sauce can be used to season the dish to taste at the end of cooking.
How much paprika is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of paprika.
What are the serving suggestions?
Serve it warm on its own or with your favorite flatbread or rice.
Is fenugreek necessary for this dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground fenugreek is included to provide traditional Ethiopian depth.
How long do the onions and sweet potatoes sauté?
Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the sweet potato begins to soften.
Should I cover the pot while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to let the stew simmer uncovered.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish featuring plant-based proteins and vibrant vegetables.
What amount of onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 of an onion, diced.
Does the recipe use allspice?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
How much ground ginger is used in addition to fresh?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Can I use salt instead of soy sauce?
Yes, you can use either salt or soy sauce to season the dish to your preference.
When do I add the ground spices?
Stir in the spices once the mixture has come to a boil.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is a thick, hearty stew where the lentils are tender and the vegetables are soft.