Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful Ethiopian vegetable stew braised with turmeric, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or side. This african-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs tablespoons vegetable oil, yellow onions, sliced, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 5 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups sliced yellow onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups carrots cut into 1-inch pieces and 2 cups cubed potatoes, stirring to coat with the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 cups chopped green cabbage, seasoning with 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cabbage is wilted but still bright.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm alongside injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Atakilt Wat Braised Vegetable Stew with Turmeric and Cabbage vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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