Ethiopian Lentils With Berebere Spice Mix Recipe

Name: Ethiopian Lentils With Berebere Spice Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb lentils; 6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable broth; 6 cups mild green chilies, roasted peeled, seeded and chopped* (See note); 2 red onions, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced (or more); fresh ground black pepper; BEREBERE SPICE MIX (use 2 tablespoons); 2 teaspoons cumin seeds or 2 teaspoons powdered cumin; 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds (shell off husks) or 1 teaspoon cardamom powder; 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice (or ground); 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (or powder); 1 teaspoon coriander seed (or powder); 8 whole cloves or 8 ground cloves; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1 teaspoon freshly ground peppercorn; 5 teaspoons red pepper flakes or 5 teaspoons crumbled dried red peppers; 1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons sweet paprika (can use hot); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Servings: persons

1 lb lentils
6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable broth
6 cups mild green chilies, roasted peeled, seeded and chopped* (See note)
2 red onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced (or more)
fresh ground black pepper
BEREBERE SPICE MIX (use 2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds or 2 teaspoons powdered cumin
1 teaspoon cardamom seeds (shell off husks) or 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice (or ground)
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (or powder)
1 teaspoon coriander seed (or powder)
8 whole cloves or 8 ground cloves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1 teaspoon freshly ground peppercorn
5 teaspoons red pepper flakes or 5 teaspoons crumbled dried red peppers
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sweet paprika (can use hot)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1
LENTILS:
2
Bring lentils and broth to boil and simmer 10 minutes.
3
Add chiles, onion, garlic, and Berebere spices. Cook covered for another 30 minutes, until most of liquid is absorbed.
4
Serve with ground black pepper to taste.
5
For a vegetarian meal, these lentils are good with a dollop of yogurt, brown rice and sliced tomatoes.
6
BEREBERE SPICE MIX:
7
Toast all the seeds and whole cloves in a small frying pan for 2 minutes, stirring constantly (open window or turn on the stove vent--it can smoke). Grind the spices in a spice grinder. If you are using pre-ground spices, ignore and go on to the next step.
8
Mix all remaining ingredients. Place in a tightly covered container and refrigerate. This mixture can used with many combinations of legumes, rice or vegetables.
9
NOTE: *OR: 1 bell pepper chopped + 14-oz can chopped green chiles.
10
NOTE TWO : There are two ways to make this berebere spice mix - with whole spices that you grind, or with powdered versions of the spices. The first way gives you a more powerful flavor, but it may be more practical the second way, particularly if you don't have a spice grinder.

300

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb lentils, 6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable broth, 6 cups mild green chilies, roasted peeled, seeded and chopped* (See note), 2 red onions, chopped, and more.

Yes, Ethiopian Lentils With Berebere Spice Mix falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ethiopian Lentils With Berebere Spice Mix

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions