Misir maraq laga sameeyay. Digaag. Ramadaan Mubaarak. Nafaqo.

berbere spice

🥗Healthier: cayenne pepper

💰Cheaper: chili powder

Cayenne pepper offers heat while chili powder provides a milder flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: water

💰Cheaper: chicken broth

Water lowers sodium while chicken broth adds flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

green bell pepper

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: yellow bell pepper

Zucchini adds similar texture while yellow bell pepper offers sweetness.

Rinse red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add berbere spice and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.

Incorporate chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Add rinsed lentils, salt, and black pepper; reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.

Stir in chopped carrot and green bell pepper; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: