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4.9 from 84 votes

Kik Alicha (Ethiopian Split Pea Stew)

This simple Ethiopian split pea stew, kik alicha, is a warming main dish with just six ingredients. Serve with Injera, flatbread or rice. (gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free)

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 226 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Ethiopian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dry split peas soak overnight or 2 hours. Use yellow, green, or a mix!
  • 2 teaspoons oil
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 4-5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 Serrano pepper or jalapeño, chopped, optional
  • 1/3 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon berbere spice blend optional, for a spicier wat version
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the split peas overnight or at least 2 hours in warm water, drain and rinse. See notes below for pressure cooker directions.
  2. In a deep pan, add the oil or non dairy nitter kibbeh(Ethiopian spiced oil). Once the oil is hot, add onions, ginger, garlic, and chopped Serrano or jalapeño, if using. Cook stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add splashes of water if needed to help cook the onion evenly. Add the turmeric and berbere, if using, and mix well.
  3. Add rinsed split peas, salt, pepper and water. Mix, cover and bring to a boil on medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until peas have softened to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and spice if needed.
  5. Mash the peas if desired. Add some lemon juice, if desired, and serve. Tastes best with a sour flat bread, like Injera, but you can also serve it with rice or flatbread of choice.

Notes

  • To make in the Instant Pot: follow all of the sauté instructions on sauté mode, then switch off sauté, then pressure cook the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure, depending on the split peas used, then do a natural release.
  • To make in the Instant Pot: follow all of the sauté instructions on sauté mode, then switch off sauté, then pressure cook the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure, depending on the split peas used, then do a natural release.

Nutrition Information

Calories 226kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 4g (6%) Sodium 600mg (25%) Potassium 547mg (16%) Fiber 13g (52%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 75IU (2%) Vitamin C 4.8mg (5%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 2.4mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 226

% Daily Value*

Calories 226kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 600mg 25%
Potassium 547mg 12%
Fiber 13g 52%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 75IU 2%
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5%
Calcium 50mg 5%
Iron 2.4mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.