Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere

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

A velvety Ethiopian stew made from ground split peas, enriched with garlic and a smoky berbere spice toasted to perfection. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs yellow split peas (shiro powder), berbere spice blend, water 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped red onion and sauté for 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, toasting for 2 minutes until fragrant and the spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in 3 cups water and 1 cup yellow split peas (shiro powder), stirring to avoid lumps.
  6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened into a creamy stew.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt, stir well, and remove from heat.
  8. Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with injera or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere?

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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere?

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 Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere 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 Split Pea Shiro Stew with Toasted Berbere 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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