Description
A mild, deeply satisfying Ethiopian stew made from yellow split peas, sautéed onions, and aromatic spices, perfect as a counterpoint to spicier dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups yellow split peas, soaked and rinsed
- 4 cups water, plus more as needed
- 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh or olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin, optional
- Salt to taste
- 1 jalapeño or green chili, whole, optional
- Lemon juice, small squeeze, optional
Instructions
- Soak and rinse the split peas. Place the yellow split peas in a bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.
- Simmer the split peas. Place the drained split peas and 4 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook partially covered for 30–35 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics. While the peas simmer, heat the niter kibbeh (or oil) in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly for 10–12 minutes until deeply golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 2 minutes before stirring in turmeric and cumin for another minute.
- Combine and finish. Add the sautéed onion mixture to the cooked split peas. Add the jalapeño if using, and salt to taste. Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until thickened. Remove the jalapeño and stir in lemon juice if using.
- Serve the kik alicha on injera or rice. It can be served immediately, but the flavors deepen significantly if allowed to sit for an hour or reheated the next day.
Notes
The dish is improved if left to sit or reheated the next day. Niter kibbeh is ideal for depth of flavor, but olive oil can be substituted if needed.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg