Kik Alicha ~ Ethiopian split pea stew is a traditional recipe of Ethiopia with mild spice, warm and comfort stew served with Injera or rice. Kik Alicha is similar to the Indian Dal recipes. You can use split green peas too for this recipe. I made a complete vegan Ethiopian platter which will be coming soon.
This stew is prepared with spiced clarified butter (ghee) since I made it as a complete vegan dish. This recipe is similar to the Misir wot which uses red lentils and is flavored with Ethiopian spice.
Table of Contents
Food for the thought
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Sometimes we need someone to be simply there, not to fix anything or do anything in particular but just to let us feel we are supported and cared about.
Only those who care about you can hear you when you are quiet.
Benefits of the ingredients (source)
Yellow split pea: contains significant amounts of protein which are essential for muscle building and repair. These peas also contain folate and iron which provide a health boost to the body.
Video for Ethiopian split pea stew
Steps for preparing Kik Alicha ~ Ethiopian Split Pea Stew
- Soak the yellow split peas in hot water for 30 minutes.
- In an Instant pot, add oil, onions, garlic, soaked and drained peas, salt, turmeric with water, and pressure cook it.
- Add pepper and salt to taste.
- Once done, remove the lid and mash peas roughly. Add lemon juice and serve with Injera.
Variations
Yellow split peas: You can try green split peas.
Spice: Add chili powder or jalapeno for spice.
Lemon juice: It is optional.
Other Ethiopian recipes
- Tikil gomen | Ethiopian cabbage
- Berbere | Ethiopian spice blend
- Misir wot | Red lentil stew
- Key Sir Alicha (Ethiopian Beet & Potato)
- Bamya Alicha & Duba Wat (Ethiopian Okra & Squash)
- Injera
Questions/Tips
Can I use peas instead of a yellow split pea?
Yes, you can split green peas and follow the same directions. Green peas will cook quickly.
Can I cook lentils in stove top?
Yes, you can cook lentils on a stovetop. It takes a little longer than Instant pot. Cooking lentils on a stovetop takes 35-45 minutes. Importantly, a pressure cooker/Instant pot makes it a breeze to cook any lentils.
Should I soak the lentils?
Yes. SOaking the lentils breaks down the complex starch and makes them easier to digest. So, it is always better to soak any type of lentils before cooking.
Can I use butter/ghee in kik alicha?
You can use butter/ghee in kik alicha. Traditionally they use flavored ghee (niter kibbeh).
Is Kik alicha is similar to Misir wot?
They two are different recipes. Misir wot uses red lentils and is flavored with berbere powder, whereas, Kik alicha is a mild stew with no seasonings.
Meal prep for Kik Alicha | Ethiopian split pea stew
Prepare your lentils and allow them to cool completely. To freeze, store lentils in freezer-friendly packs, glass, or BPA-safe plastic containers.
To pack your lunch or serve defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Heat in a stovetop or microwave until warm.
However, if not freezing, refrigerate and use within 3 days.
Recipe card for Kik Alicha
Kik Alicha ~ Ethiopian Split Pea Stew
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yellow split pea
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 inch ginger chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the lentils in plenty of hot water for 30 minutes
- On an Instant pot press Saute mode and add coconut oil . Then add chopped garlic, ginger and onions.
- Allow cooking the onions until they are translucent and add the ground turmeric, pepper, salt to taste. Mix well
- Drain the water from the soaked lentils and add to the onions. Saute until the lentils are dry.
- Add 1 cup of water and pressure cook high for 7 minutes. Once the pressure releases automatically open the lid.
- Use the immersion blender or mash it through a masher roughly (optional)
- Add lemon juice and serve with Injera.
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