Berbere Red Lentils with Golden Cabbage

Berbere-spiced red lentils and turmeric-scented cabbage with carrots make a warming Ethiopian-inspired dinner featuring vegetables suited to late October in Washington.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $3
  • Calories per serving: 560 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth Organic® Red Lentils
    3/4 cup dry (about 5 ounces) $3.49
  • Green cabbage
    12 ounces $0.99
  • Carrots
    6 ounces $1.39
  • Yellow onion
    8 ounces $0.89
  • Garlic
    4 cloves (about 1/3 bulb) $0.79
  • Organic ginger root
    1 tablespoon finely grated (about 1/2 ounce) $3.99
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Salt-free berbere seasoning
    2 teaspoons
  • Sweet paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Tomato paste
    2 tablespoons
  • Ground turmeric
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Fine table salt
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Apple cider vinegar
    2 teaspoons

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely dice 8 ounces yellow onion. Mince 4 garlic cloves, then peel and finely grate enough ginger to measure 1 tablespoon.

  2. Core and slice 12 ounces green cabbage into 1/2-inch ribbons. Scrub 6 ounces carrots and cut into thin half-moons. Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and drain.

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly golden.

  4. Add the following to the onion:

    • The prepared minced garlic
    • The prepared 1 tablespoon grated ginger
    • 2 teaspoons salt-free berbere seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 3/4 teaspoon fine table salt

    Stir for 1 minute, lowering the heat if the spices begin to catch.

  5. Stir the rinsed lentils and 2 1/2 cups water into the spiced onion mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils collapse into a thick, spoonable stew. If necessary, add up to 1/2 cup additional water in small splashes to prevent sticking.

  6. While the lentils simmer, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared carrots and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  7. Add the following to the carrots:

    • The prepared cabbage ribbons
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 3/4 teaspoon fine table salt

    Pour in 1/4 cup water, toss well, and cover. Cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring twice, until the cabbage and carrots are tender. Uncover and cook for 2–3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

  8. Stir 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar into the finished lentil stew. Divide the stew between two shallow bowls and arrange the golden cabbage and carrots alongside.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the berbere’s warmth and the cabbage’s sweetness.