Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew Instant Pot Recipe

I absolutely love this lentil stew recipe because it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, filled with vibrant flavors thanks to the aromatic blend of berbere, cumin, and smoked paprika. Plus, making it in the Instant Pot means it’s not only delicious but also an easy and efficient meal prep for my busy week!

Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew
is a favorite of mine among savory, belly-warming dishes that delight with their rich flavors and nourishing ingredients. I adore how the humble lentil takes in the warmth of berbere spice, paprika, and ground cumin in this dish; in my mind, they’re the MVP of this stew.

Oh, and the base: You’ve got diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, which provide a nice depth and a cozy hug to this nourishing stew.

Ingredients

• Lentils: High in protein and fiber; great for heart health.
• Garlic: Adds flavor and has antibacterial properties.
• Ginger: Offers warmth and aids digestion.
• Berbere Spice: Provides heat and complexity; boosts metabolism.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants; enhances flavor and texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and rich color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings tanginess and vitamin C.
• Vegetable Broth: Infuses flavor while keeping it wholesome.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place your Instant Pot on the sauté setting and allow it to heat the vegetable oil. Add the onion, which has been chopped in a fine manner, and sauté it until it takes on a translucent quality. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

2. In the pot, combine minced garlic and grated ginger and continue to sauté them for an additional minute, until they become fragrant.

3. Mix in the spice blend, the berbere being the star, along with cumin, smoked paprika, cardamom, and turmeric. Cook for about 30 seconds to one minute, allowing the spices to do their thing. They should be very aromatic by now.

4. Stir the rinsed and drained lentils into the pot, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed with the spices and onions.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes, juice included, and the vegetable stock. Stir to combine.

6. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes. If your model has a Manual setting, you can use that instead.

7. After the cooking time is done, let the pressure come down naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release for the rest.

8. Lift the lid and give the stew a good stir. Then, take a tasting spoon and savor the stew. If you think it needs more salt, then by all means, add it. If you think it needs something other than salt, then adjust the flavor to your liking.

9. You can add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency if the stew is too thick for your liking.

10. Lentil stew can be served piping hot and is made even better with a garnish of fresh cilantro. What’s next? Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Sauté function on Instant Pot
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Grater (for ginger)
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Can opener
10. Tasting spoon

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?A: You can use lentils from a can. Just decrease the time spent cooking them since the lentils in a can are already cooked.
• Q: What is berbere spice blend?A: Berbere is a time-honored Ethiopian spice blend that’s the culinary equivalent of a power chord. It starts with chili peppers—and evolves with a wide array of spices, including garlic, ginger, and other flavoring potentates.
• Q: Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?A: No, it is not required to soak lentils, but rinsing them before cooking helps in removing impurities.
• Q: Can I make this stew less spicy?A: Yes, you can lessen the amount of berbere spice or swap it out for milder spices to make it less spicy.
• Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?A: This recipe is gluten-free because it has no gluten-containing ingredients, and the few spices it does contain are also gluten-free. Always check to make sure that all your broth and spices are gluten-free, though.
• Q: How long does it take to cook this stew in the Instant Pot?15 minutes of pressure cooking. Additional time needed for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release naturally.
• Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?A: Yes, the stew holds up well in airtight containers in the freezer, maintaining its integrity for up to 3 months.

Substitutions and Variations

Berbere spice mixture: If you don’t have the mix on hand, substitute it with a combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, ground ginger, fenugreek, and cumin.
Broth for vegetables: If you are not strictly vegetarian or vegan, use chicken broth instead. If you are strictly vegan or vegetarian (or in any case), use water with a bouillon cube for a similar flavor.
Pungent, fresh ginger: Substitute 1 teaspoon ground ginger if you can’t find the fresh stuff.
Smoked paprika: If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used; however, this dish will be lacking a layer of flavor that only smoked paprika can deliver.
Cilantro: Substitute with fresh parsley if cilantro is not available or if you prefer a different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Spices For even more depth of flavor, consider toasting the spices in the vegetable oil before adding the onions. This will enhance their aroma and give the stew a richer taste profile.

2. Deglaze the Pot After sautéing the onions and spices, use a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the bottom of the pot. This will lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pot and incorporate them into the stew.

3. Soak the Lentils While not necessary, soaking the lentils for a few hours before cooking can reduce cooking time and improve their texture. Be sure to rinse and drain them well before use.

4. Add Acidity Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar at the end of cooking. This can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the spices.

5. Consistency Control If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the stew after it’s cooked, leaving some whole lentils for texture. Adjust the broth accordingly to reach the desired thickness.