Craving an exciting culinary experience? Look no further!
I’m diving into the world of plant-based cuisine with a vibrant list of vegan Ethiopian recipes.
Get ready to discover robust spices and comforting flavors in each of these 10 incredible dishes.
1. Ethiopian Cabbage & Potatoes (Tikil Gomen)
Allow me to introduce this traditional Ethiopian mainstay. Simmered to perfection, the cabbage and potatoes are supported by a savory broth that is enriched with fragrant spices.
You’ll love how the soft sweetness of the potatoes and cabbage is balanced by the subtle heat of ginger, turmeric, and pepper. Ultimately, what you are left with is a harmonious masterpiece of flavor and texture.
2. Ethiopian Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew
If there’s one recipe that all foodies need to taste, it’s this hearty stew! Every spoonful of this flavorful dish is a symphony of aromatic spices and earthy lentils.
Crisp bell peppers and sweet onions contribute additional layers of deliciousness and textural complexity. It’s an amazing combination of everything good.
It’s commonly dished up with Injera, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it alongside quinoa or rice.
3. Ethiopian Spicy Pumpkin Stew (Duba Wat)
This is not your average pumpkin spice dish; it’s better! This recipe is distinguished by a savory, spicy richness that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Cardamom and berbere enrich this dish with a flavorful, aromatic quality. Be warned, this is one spicy stew!
The traditional pairing for this dish is Injera, but I’ve found that it’s amazing served with bread or rice. If you’re lacking pumpkin, try sweet potato or butternut squash instead.
4. Ethiopian Chickpea Stew (Shiro Wat)
This is not just any stew; it’s a chickpea sensation! This stew is a zesty, flavorful tango with a spicy edge that will set your mouth on fire.
The velvety, tangy, and spicy tastes of this stew are sure to set your senses ablaze. Take your taste buds on a trip when you pair this stew with fluffy Injera.
5. Ethiopian Lentil Salad (Azefa)
Get ready for the fiery, zesty sensation that is Azefa! This salad is an explosion of flavor!
Lentils and crisp bell peppers headline this incredible dish. The heat is turned up to the max with the addition of cayenne, mustard seed, and black peppercorns.
But don’t worry, lemon juice, olive oil, and cilantro contribute a refreshing balance. I find this salad to be the perfect side or light meal.
6. Ethiopian Collard Greens (Gomen)
Let me introduce you to Gomen, a leafy, green revelation. What makes this dish so amazing?
It transforms humble collard greens into a flavor-packed party in your mouth. It will remind you of familiar Southern collard greens, as both rely heavily on seasonings and, of course, garlic.
The key difference is that Gomen contains no bacon. But trust me, you won’t miss it!
7. Ethiopian Yellow Split Pea Stew (Kik Alicha)
Prepare for a flavor experience that will leave your taste buds begging for more! I guarantee that you’ll enter a world of aromatic, earthy, zesty spices with each spoonful.
Legume lovers, rejoice! Split peas can be swapped for lentils or chickpeas, and you’ll still end up with an unforgettable dish.
Serve it alongside Ethiopian flatbread or fluffy rice.
8. Ethiopian Flat Bread (Injera)
Prepare yourself for a flavor journey into the realm of Injera! What makes it so great?
It will support and enhance soups and stews in ways you never thought possible. Its distinctive, porous texture is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful deliciousness of stews and curries.
Use it like an edible, spongy spoon! Don’t have any Injera available? Try a sourdough crepe for a similarly amazing experience.
9. Ethiopian Mushroom Stir-Fry (Ingudai Tibs)
Imagine feasting on tender mushrooms cooked with fragrant spices and aromatics. Delicious additions like cardamom, garlic, berbere, and coriander, unite to create a savory, tangy dish that is bursting with flavor.
Consider switching things up by using tofu rather than mushrooms. I enjoy pairing Ingudai Tibs with Injera, rice, or couscous.
10. Ethiopian Vegan Lentil Pie (Sambusa)
If you like samosas or empanadas, then you’re guaranteed to love Sambusa. This is the vegan, African version of your go-to hand pie.
Vegetables, seasonings, and spiced lentils all come together in a not-actually-buttery pastry shell. Spices give this dish a distinct, mild, aromatic taste.
These triangles are just as amazing cold as they are hot. These make for a great snack or a hearty meal.
You’ll love experimenting with different flavors in this dish!