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
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Organic Red Lentils3/4 cup dry (about 5 ounces) $3.99
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Organic Green Cabbage12 ounces $1.99
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Organic Loose Carrots6 ounces $1.99
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Yellow Onion1 medium (about 8 ounces) $1.49
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Organic Garlic3 cloves (about 0.4 ounce) $6.99
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Organic Young Ginger Root1 tablespoon finely grated (about 0.5 ounce) $15.99
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Olive oil2 tablespoons
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Salt-free berbere seasoning2 teaspoons
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Ground turmeric1/4 teaspoon
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Fine sea salt1 1/2 teaspoons
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Apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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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.
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Core and thinly slice 12 ounces cabbage. Scrub 6 ounces carrots and slice into thin half-moons.
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Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and drain.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: Serve with unsweetened black tea, whose brisk flavor balances the earthy lentils and warming spices.