Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew

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

A smooth, hearty Ethiopian stew made from chickpea flour and flavored with berbere and garlic, perfect for a warming vegetarian meal. This ethiopian-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chickpea flour (shiro powder), water, berbere spice mix for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice mix and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices and blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 cup chickpea flour and 3 cups water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until the stew thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjust seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and serve warm with injera or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew?

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 chickpea flour (shiro powder) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew?

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 Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Shiro Wat Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew 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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