Ethiopian Lentil Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried red lentils, sorted and rinsed
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 head garlic, peeled, mashed, and roughly chopped (not 1 clove, 1 whole head!)
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup lemon or lime juice

Equipment

• medium bowl or pot
• large soup pot
• strainer
• stirring spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• chopping knife
• can opener

Here is how:

1. Cover lentils with water, soak for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Saute onions and garlic with oil in a large soup pot until golden.
3. Mix tomato paste and paprika into the onions and garlic.
4. Add remaining ingredients to onion mixture, stir well, cover, bring to a boil.
5. Add lentils, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 min (until lentils have softened).
6. Add the lemon or lime juice and serve hot.

Additional info:

This recipe is always a crowd pleaser, even for kids and adults who don't usually like beans or lentils. We find it tasty when served over egg noodles but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or injera (the traditional ethiopian flatbread). Happy Love your Lentils Month!