Waakye (pronounced wha-kii) is a vibrant and flavorful Ethiopian stew traditionally made with spiced lentils, vegetables, and soft-boiled eggs. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, fiber, and satisfying textures. This beloved dish is a staple across Ethiopia, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
This recipe takes you through the steps of creating a delicious pot of waakye, perfect for showcasing Ethiopian cuisine at your next gathering or simply enjoying a comforting and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups brown lentils, rinsed
Note: Berbere is a key ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine, a blend of spices like chilies, paprika, garlic, ginger, and other aromatics. You can find pre-made berbere at some grocery stores or online retailers specializing in international spices.
Directions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Spice it Up: Add the berbere spice mix, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
3. Simmering the Lentils: Rinse the brown lentils well and add them to the pot with the spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Adding the Veggies: While the lentils simmer, chop the scallions and collard greens (or Swiss chard). Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the chopped scallions and collard greens. Cover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
5. Serving Suggestions: Gently fold in the halved hard-boiled eggs (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve waakye hot, spooned over injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or rice. A dollop of vegan yogurt or clarified butter adds a nice touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories: 400-500
Note: These are just estimates, and the actual nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
Conclusion
Waakye is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed throughout the day. The combination of protein-rich lentils, flavorful spices, and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal. This recipe provides a simple yet flavorful way to experience Ethiopian cuisine at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use a different type of lentil? Yes, you can substitute brown lentils with green lentils or black lentils. However, the cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
2. What if I can’t find berbere spice mix? You can create a basic substitute by combining 1 teaspoon each of paprika, ground chilies, ground ginger, and ground turmeric.
3. Is waakye vegan? This recipe is naturally vegan as written. Simply omit the hard-boiled eggs for a completely plant-based meal.
