Tsebhi Birsen (Spicy Lentils)

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Tsebhi Birsen (Spicy Lentils)

Tsebhi Birsen (Spicy Lentils) is a traditional Eritrean recipe for a classic stew of lentils cooked in a tomato-based sauce with Berbere spice, cardamom and cumin. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Eritrean version of: Spicy Lentils (Tsebhi Birsen).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

55 minutes

Total Time:

75 minutes

Serves:

Rating:

Tags : Vegetarian Recipes Spice Recipes Bean Recipes Eritrea Recipes

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Ingredients:

250g red lentils (red lentils are typical)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, minced
2 tbsp Berbere spice
200g tomatoes, blanched, peeled and sliced
2 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ground Ethiopian cardamom (or substitute ground black cardamom)
3 garlic cloves, crushed
salt and black pepper, to taste

Method:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onions until lightly golden. Add the berbere spice and fry for 5 minutes more then add all the remaining ingredients (except the lentils) and simmer briefly. Add the lentils, season and cover with 300ml boiling water. Cover the pan and allow to simmer for an hour (add more water as necessary).

Serve with Injeera.