Vegetable Alecha: A Delightful Ethiopian Vegetable Stew
Overview
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Vegetable
Description: Vegetable Alecha is a traditional Ethiopian stew, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting nature. While it’s often served with injera, this delectable dish pairs beautifully with couscous or rice, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 109.5 |
| Total Fat | 4.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 805.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g |
| Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
Keywords
African, Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, For Large Groups, Beginner Cook, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | onion |
| 4 | carrots |
| 4 | cups water |
| 3 | cups tomato sauce |
| 1 | teaspoon salt |
| 2 | teaspoons ginger |
| 1 | cup potatoes, diced |
| 3 | cups cabbage, chopped |
| 1 | teaspoon paprika |
| 1/2 | teaspoon cumin |
| 1/2 | teaspoon cardamom |
| 1/2 | teaspoon ground fenugreek |
| 1/2 | teaspoon ground ginger |
| 1 | teaspoon cayenne |
| 1 | teaspoon white pepper |
| 1 | teaspoon ground coriander |
| 1/2 | teaspoon nutmeg |
| 1/2 | teaspoon turmeric |
| 1/2 | teaspoon ground allspice |
| 1/2 | teaspoon cinnamon |
| 1/2 | teaspoon ground cloves |
Instructions
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Sauté the Onions: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for your stew.
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Add Carrots and Liquids: Once the onions are softened, stir in the sliced carrots along with the water, tomato sauce, salt, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes. This will help the carrots soften and infuse the stew with their sweetness.
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Incorporate Potatoes and Spices: After the initial simmering, introduce the diced potatoes into the pot along with the spices—paprika, cumin, cardamom, ground fenugreek, ground ginger, cayenne, white pepper, ground coriander, nutmeg, turmeric, ground allspice, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly. Cover the pot again and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add Cabbage and Finish Cooking: After the potatoes have had time to cook, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir to combine, and allow the stew to cook uncovered until the cabbage is tender and all the vegetables are well integrated, roughly 10 to 15 minutes. You may need to add a splash more water if the stew looks too thick.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to your liking, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your Vegetable Alecha warm, accompanied by injera, couscous, or rice, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich, spiced flavors that this traditional Ethiopian dish offers.
Conclusion
This Ethiopian Vegetable Alecha is not only a feast for the senses but also a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a plant-based meal. Its colorful presentation and aromatic spices make it an inviting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Ethiopia with every bite!
