Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread

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

A warming Ethiopian lentil stew infused with berbere spice blend, served traditionally with soft injera flatbread for dipping and scooping. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, water, berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture darkens and becomes aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup red lentils and 3 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
  4. Step 4: Season the stew with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjusting to taste. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lentil stew hot alongside 4 pieces of injera bread, using the bread to scoop up the stew in the traditional Ethiopian manner.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread?

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 red lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread?

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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread 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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Bread vegan?

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

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