Quick Eritrean Lentils
Experience the vibrant flavors of East Africa with this recipe for Quick Eritrean Lentils, a wholesome and aromatic dish that's on the table in just 35 minutes. Featuring tender red lentils simmered with a bold combination of berbere spice blend, fresh ginger, and tomato paste, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Eritrean cuisine with a modern, time-saving twist. Perfectly balanced with earthy cumin and coriander, these spiced lentils are both comforting and nutritious. Easily customizable, they pair beautifully with fluffy rice, warm flatbread, or tangy injera. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or an introduction to authentic Eritrean flavors, these lentils are sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium (finely chopped) yellow onion
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tablespoon (freshly grated) ginger
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 tablespoons berbere spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh cilantro
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste, berbere spice blend, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Pour in the 3 cups of water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, lower the heat to medium-low, and cover. Let the lentils simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and the mixture has thickened.
Stir in the salt and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the lentils to sit for 5 minutes to thicken further.
Serve the lentils warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, alongside rice, flatbread, or injera.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.0 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2436 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 22.6 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 192 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1568 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
