Ethiopian Berbere Spiced Lentils

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried split red lentils
• 5 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 5 tomatoes (chopped)
• 4 tbsp berbere spice (I recommend adding the berbere 1 tbsp at a time and tasting for heat level since blends vary in spiciness.)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions

1. Boil lentils in water for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile,in a deep sauté pan over medium heat, fry the garlic and onions in oil until toasty 3-5 minutes.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, salt and cook until tomatoes release juices.
4. Add berbere spice( 1 tbsp at a time), cayenne and tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.
5. When lentils are soft, add spiced tomato and onion mixture to the lentils and simmer for 10 minutes to combine.
6. Taste for salt and adjust if needed.
7. Serve with salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, tomato, avocado and cabbage mixed with lemon juice and rice.