Typical African recipes

Wat

Serves: 4-6 people
Calories per portion: Approximately 300-400 calories
Preparation time: ~15 minutes
Cooking time: ~1 hour

A popular and typical African lunch recipe is “Wat” which is a traditional Ethiopian stew. Here is a recipe for a basic version of Wat:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of beef or lamb, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups of red lentils
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of Berbere spice (a traditional Ethiopian spice blend that includes chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions :

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add the meat and brown for about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the Berbere spice and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Add the lentils, water, and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot Allow it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are soft and the meat is cooked through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with Injera (a traditional Ethiopian sourdough flatbread) or rice.

Wat is traditionally served with Injera, a traditional Ethiopian sourdough flatbread, and is meant to be shared and eaten communally This stew is hearty and comforting, and the spicy Berbere gives it a flavourful kick. This dish can be adjusted to personal taste by adding or removing the amount of Berbere spice.

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