Split Pea Shiro Wat with Berbere and Garlic
A thick, flavorful Ethiopian stew made from powdered split peas, simmered with berbere spice and garlic for a hearty vegetarian dish. This ethiopian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs split pea flour or powdered split peas, berbere spice blend, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split pea flour or powdered split peas
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 medium (1 cup) yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 cup split pea flour with 3 cups water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until the stew thickens and the peas are fully cooked and creamy.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Step 6: Serve hot with injera or bread, using the thick stew to scoop and savor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Split Pea Shiro Wat with Berbere and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Wat with Berbere and Garlic?
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 Wat with Berbere and Garlic?
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 Wat with Berbere and Garlic 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 Wat with Berbere and Garlic 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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