Ethiopian Split Pea Stew Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Nestled in the heart of african cuisine, this ethiopian split pea stew brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.

Vibrant spices dance through tender legumes, creating a tapestry of rich, earthy flavors.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a symphony of culinary tradition.

Fragrant herbs whisper stories of distant landscapes and generations of home cooking.

Nutritious and deeply satisfying, the stew offers a perfect balance of protein and soul-warming goodness.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you embrace these bold, unexpected taste combinations.

Grab a spoon and let your taste buds travel to ethiopia’s incredible culinary landscape.

Why Ethiopian Split Pea Stew Is So Comforting

• Unpack Quick Comfort: This Ethiopian split pea stew delivers a warm, hearty meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you need a satisfying, nutritious dish.
• Spice Up Your Routine: Bursting with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger, this recipe transforms humble split peas into a flavor-packed experience that will transport your taste buds to Ethiopia's vibrant culinary landscape.
• Budget-Friendly Nutrition Powerhouse: Split peas are incredibly affordable and packed with protein and fiber, making this stew an economical way to create a wholesome, filling meal that nourishes both body and wallet.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible serving options, whether you prefer injera, rice, or flatbread, allowing you to adapt the dish to your personal taste and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For Ethiopian Split Pea Stew

• Split Peas: Protein-packed base of the stew, creating hearty texture and delicious foundation.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor base that adds depth and traditional Ethiopian cooking profile.

• Olive Oil, Niter Kibbeh: Rich cooking mediums that provide authentic flavor and smooth cooking process.

• Turmeric, Cumin, Black Pepper: Warm spice blend offering earthy, complex flavor profile typical in Ethiopian cuisine.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste of the stew.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh green garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal.

• Injera, Rice, Flatbread: Traditional side dishes for serving and complementing the stew.

• Water, Broth: Cooking and simmering liquid that helps create perfect stew consistency.

Easy Cooking Steps For Ethiopian Split Pea Stew

Step 1: Boil The Golden Legumes

Grab a medium pot and pour in split peas with water or broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let the peas gently simmer. Watch for foam and skim it off carefully. Cook until peas become tender but not mushy, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatic Base

• Olive oil
• Niter kibbeh
• Vegetable oil

• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger

Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with delightful scents.

Step 3: Introduce Vibrant Spices

• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Black pepper

Stir and toast these spices for one minute, releasing their incredible aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

Pour the cooked split peas and their cooking liquid into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly. Let the stew simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and dance. Stir occasionally and adjust liquid if needed.

Step 5: Final Touches

• Fresh parsley
• Cilantro

• Injera
• Rice
• Flatbread

Enjoy your Ethiopian culinary adventure!

Helpful Tips For Ethiopian Split Pea Stew

• Master Split Pea Texture: Cook split peas until tender but not mushy, skimming foam to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without losing their delicate shape.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly in the skillet to awaken their complex aromatics, releasing rich, warm notes that elevate the entire stew's taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional niter kibbeh with olive oil for a vegan version, or use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor.
• Perfect Consistency Trick: Adjust liquid during simmering to achieve desired thickness, adding water or broth gradually to create a hearty yet not overly dense stew.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick, nutritious meals – the stew's robust flavors actually improve after a day of resting in the refrigerator.

How To Keep Ethiopian Split Pea Stew Fresh

• Refrigerate the Ethiopian split pea stew in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Cool the stew completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its delicious flavor.
• Transfer leftovers to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it's tightly closed to preserve freshness.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the stew's original moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freezing works wonderfully for this dish – store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm thoroughly before serving.
• Pro tip: Separate the stew into individual portion sizes for easier reheating and to prevent repeated thawing and freezing, which can affect texture and taste.

Best Pairings With Ethiopian Split Pea Stew

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the stew's rich, earthy flavors, providing a light and zesty contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Match with Traditional Ethiopian Tej: This honey wine complements the stew's spices perfectly, enhancing the warm, aromatic notes and offering an authentic cultural drinking experience.
• Serve alongside Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy, chewy bread absorbs the stew's complex flavors, creating a delightful texture combination that elevates the entire meal.
• Complement with Spiced Herbal Tea: A warm ginger or cardamom tea balances the stew's hearty profile, adding a soothing finish that harmonizes with the dish's aromatic spices.

Flavor Ideas For Ethiopian Split Pea Stew

• Protein Power Boost: Replace split peas with red lentils for faster cooking and add diced chicken or tofu for extra protein and texture.
• Spicy Ethiopian Style: Increase black pepper and add berbere spice blend for an authentic, fiery kick that captures traditional Ethiopian heat.
• Vegetable Enriched Version: Incorporate diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach during the simmering stage to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavors.
• Creamy Coconut Fusion: Stir in coconut milk near the end of cooking for a rich, smooth consistency that adds subtle tropical undertones to the traditional stew.

Ethiopian Split Pea Stew Common Questions

• What makes Ethiopian split pea stew unique compared to other legume dishes?

The dish stands out with its blend of warming spices like turmeric and cumin, and traditional cooking method using niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter), which gives a rich, complex flavor profile different from other stew recipes.

• Is this split pea stew healthy?

Absolutely! Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They’re low in fat, help with digestion, and provide steady energy. The added spices like turmeric also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace niter kibbeh with olive oil. The recipe is naturally plant-based and can easily be adapted to vegan dietary needs without losing its authentic Ethiopian flavor characteristics.

• Why do I need to skim foam when cooking split peas?

Skimming foam helps remove impurities and prevents a bitter taste. It also ensures a cleaner, smoother texture in your final stew, making the dish more enjoyable and refined.

Ethiopian Split Pea Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ethiopian Split Pea Stew weaves rich spices and comforting legumes into a culinary journey through traditional East African cuisine. Warm spoons of this nourishing dish connect you directly to Ethiopia’s soulful cooking heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow split peas (rinsed and drained)
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

Spices and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt (to taste)

Cooking Fats:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare the legumes by placing them in a medium pot with liquid, bringing to a rolling boil. Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, allowing the split peas to cook until they reach a soft yet distinct texture, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove any foam that develops during cooking.
2. Heat a skillet with aromatic fat, introducing finely chopped onions and sautéing until they transform into a translucent golden hue. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, continuing to cook until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.
3. Introduce ground spices directly into the sautéed vegetable mixture, gently toasting them to awaken their complex flavor profiles. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even distribution of seasonings.
4. Merge the tender split peas with the spiced vegetable base, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to simmer, gradually thickening and melding the diverse ingredients into a cohesive stew. Adjust liquid content if the consistency seems too dense or thin.
5. Taste and calibrate the seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Transfer the stew to serving dishes, embellishing with fresh herb garnishes. Accompany the dish with traditional Ethiopian flatbread or your preferred starch component for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Perfectly cook split peas by monitoring water levels and avoiding overcooking to maintain a creamy yet textured consistency.
• Toast spices gently in the skillet to release maximum flavor without burning, creating a rich aromatic base for the stew.
• Consider using vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish’s flavor profile.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like lentils or chickpeas for dietary variations while maintaining the traditional Ethiopian stew characteristics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Ethiopian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg