Berbere Lentil Stew with Golden Cabbage

A warming, misir-wot-inspired lentil stew with fragrant berbere and a golden cabbage-carrot side celebrates Washington’s November vegetables on a modest budget.

  • Total time: 50 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $5
  • Calories per serving: 515 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Organic Red Lentils
    3/4 cup dry (about 5 ounces) $3.99
  • Organic Green Cabbage
    12 ounces $1.99
  • Organic Loose Carrots
    6 ounces $1.99
  • Yellow Onion
    1 medium (about 8 ounces) $1.49
  • Organic Garlic
    3 cloves (about 0.4 ounce) $6.99
  • Organic Young Ginger Root
    1 tablespoon finely grated (about 0.5 ounce) $15.99
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Salt-free berbere seasoning
    2 teaspoons
  • Ground turmeric
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Apple cider vinegar
    1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion (about 8 ounces). Mince 3 garlic cloves and finely grate enough ginger to measure 1 tablespoon; keep the onion separate from the garlic and ginger.

  2. Core and thinly slice 12 ounces cabbage. Scrub 6 ounces carrots and slice into thin half-moons.

  3. Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and drain.

  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until very soft and lightly golden. Add a splash of water if it begins sticking.

  5. Stir the minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 teaspoons salt-free berbere into the onion. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring, then add the rinsed lentils, 2 1/2 cups water, and 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a simmer, partially cover, and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils soften into a thick stew. Add water 1/4 cup at a time if needed to prevent sticking.

  6. While the lentils simmer, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the sliced cabbage, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring twice, until tender. Uncover and cook for 2–3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

  7. Stir 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar into the finished lentil stew. Divide the stew between two shallow bowls and spoon the golden cabbage and carrots alongside.

Drink pairing: Serve with unsweetened black tea, whose brisk flavor balances the earthy lentils and warming spices.