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Today you’ll learn how to make Ethiopian Kik Alicha (lentil / Split Pea stew) in this awesome vegan recipe!

Ethiopian cuisine is rich with flavor and spices, and one dish that stands out for its mild yet delicious taste is Kik Alicha. Kik Alicha is a vegan dish made with split yellow peas and various spices. It is often served as a side dish or part of a larger platter alongside other Ethiopian dishes.

See video on how to make Vegan friendly Kik Alicha from Ethiopia (please subscribe)

Origins of Kik Alicha

Kik alicha is a traditional Ethiopian dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a staple dish in Ethiopian cuisine and is typically served as a side dish to other popular Ethiopian dishes such as injera and doro wat.

The origins of kik alicha can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Aksum, which was located in what is now modern-day Ethiopia. It is said that kik alicha was originally made by the Aksumites using split peas that were readily available in the region. Over time, the dish evolved and became a popular dish throughout Ethiopia, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country.

Ingredients

Kik alicha is a simple dish that is made with just a few ingredients, including:

  • Split Yellow Peas: The primary ingredient in kik alicha is split yellow peas, which are also known as chana dal. These peas are high in protein and are a great source of fiber.

  • Onion: Onion is a key ingredient in kik alicha, and is typically used to add flavor and aroma to the dish.

  • Garlic: Garlic is another important ingredient in kik alicha, and is used to add a slightly spicy flavor to the dish.

  • Berbere Spice : a traditional Ethiopian spice widely used across the cuisine, loaded with nutrients and minerals and bursting with flavour

  • Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine, and is used to add a yellow color to the dish.

  • Salt: Salt is used to season the dish and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

  • Oil: Oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, and to cook the split yellow peas.

Preparation

To make kik alicha, start by rinsing the split yellow peas in cold water until the water runs clear. Next, add the peas to a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let the peas simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender.

While the peas are cooking, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and   to the pan and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Add a pinch of turmeric to the pan and stir to combine.

Once the peas are tender, drain them and add them to the pan with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine, and then add a cup of water to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the mixture is thick and creamy.

Season the kik alicha with salt to taste, and then serve hot with injera or any other Ethiopian dish of your choice. 

Full recipe including Berbere spice below! 

This is the stage where you remove the split peas from the boil, don't let them disintegrate yet! that will be added to the stew later!
Vegan Kik Alicha from Ethiopia (lentil stew)

Vegan Ethiopian Kik Alicha

Vegan Ethiopian Kik Alicha
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ethiopian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Onions
  • 5 Cloves Garlic
  • 250 Grams Split Peas / Yellow Lentils
  • 2 Tablespoons Berbere Spice
  • 1 Cup Water
  • To Taste - Salt
  • Oil to cook in the pan

Berbere Spice Mix (it's a long list, buy it ready made if you can)

  • 1 part Dry Chillies
  • 1 part ground Cumin
  • 1 part ground coriander seed
  • 1 part ground cardamom
  • 1 part Turmeric
  • 1 part ground Nigella seeds
  • 1 part ground fenugreek
  • 1 part ground cloves
  • 1 part allspice
  • 1 part ginger powder
  • 1 part black pepper
  • 1 part ginger powder

Instructions
 

  • in a pot, boil the split peas / lentils and cook until slightly soft.
  • drain and set aside
  • Dice the onions
  • Slice the garlic thin
  • Add the onions and garlic to the pot with a little oil
  • Add in the berbere spice mix and stir
  • Add in the cooked lentils
  • add salt to taste and stir in the cup of water
  • place lid on pan and let it cook until soft.
  • Serve on Injera bread or have in a bowl

Video

Notes

Hello and Welcome To Uncle Lou's Kitchen today we'll be showing you how to make Ethiopian Lentil Stew called Kik Alicha using the authentic method taught by Salma a professional Ethiopian chef who does catering for Ethiopian events.
Ethiopian food is very welcoming to both vegans and vegetarians. it's also super healthy. This kik alicha recipe is 100% vegan and easy to make, the only hard part is finding the berbere spice mix but it's available online and some asia markets sell it too.
Throughout the series you will be introduced to Salma , and Ethiopian Jewish elder who is a beautiful human with a big heart. Along with 4 beautiful recipes, you will hear the story of how her and her family walked 4000 miles through the burning desert to get from Sudan to Jerusalem on a treacherous journey.
Stick around, there are 4 episodes as we made a LOT of food. All 100% vegan. If you happen to be in Israel, there's a town called Yokneam which is 35 minutes from Haifa you can visit her and eat some lovely food. Salma can be found on https://ethiopanfood-salma.business.s... https://www.facebook.com/salamataste and whatsapp: +972 53 444 4523
 
Ethiopian Kik Alicha: A Delicious and Nutritious Vegan Dish If you're looking for a new and exciting vegan dish to try, look no further than Ethiopian Kik Alicha.
This traditional Ethiopian dish is made with yellow split peas and a variety of spices, and is both flavorful and nutritious.
One of the great things about Kik Alicha is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish or as a side, and is a great way to add some extra protein to your diet.
Yellow split peas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, and are also low in fat and calories. The main ingredient in Kik Alicha is yellow split peas, which are simmered with onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. The spices used in this dish typically include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom, which give it its warm and fragrant flavor.
Kik Alicha is traditionally served with injera, a type of sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. The flatbread is used to scoop up the Kik Alicha, and the combination of the creamy and flavorful peas with the tangy and spongy injera is truly divine. Aside from being delicious, Kik Alicha is also incredibly easy to make.
It requires only a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in just a few hours, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. In conclusion, Ethiopian Kik Alicha is a delicious and nutritious vegan dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to add some variety to your diet, this dish is definitely worth a try.
So grab some yellow split peas, your favorite spices, and get ready to experience the delicious flavors of Ethiopian cuisine.
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