Healthy Eritrean and Ethiopian Recipes

Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisines are renowned for their vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and communal dining experience. Presented on a large, communal platter lined with enjera – a traditional Eritrean/Ethiopian flatbread – a vegetarian combination platter is perfect for Lent season. It features different authentic and delicious dishes made with veggies, legumes, grains and herbs such as mitmita, berbere, shiro, hilbet…etc.

The specifics may vary slightly depending on individual customs and interpretations, but generally, during Lent, followers abstain from consuming meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. Thus, the vegan combination platter is a symphony of flavors perfect for taste buds.

1. Hilbet: This dish is made from red-split lentils, fava beans, and fenugreek. In this link, you’ll find instructions for preparing the hilbet, silsee, and stuffed peppers, culminating in a final step to serve the fluffy hilbet with silsee and enjera.
2. Spicy Lentil stew/Tsebhi Birsin/Misir Wot: This dish made of a fiery red lentil stew simmered with berbere spice blend, onions, and garlic takes center stage on the platter. The rich, velvety texture of the lentils harmonizes perfectly with the bold flavors of the berbere, creating a sense of heat and depth.
3. Green Vegetables (Swiss Chards)/Hamli/Gomen: Hamli, a sautéed dish of collard greens seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices adds a touch of earthiness and freshness to the platter. The tender greens, cooked to perfection, offer a burst of green goodness that complements the richness of the lentil stews.
4. Stir Fry Cabbage/Kawlo (Spiced Cabbage, Carrots, and Potatoes): Kawlo, a fragrant medley of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes cooked with onions, turmeric, and aromatic spices brings a hearty and wholesome element to the platter. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables are infused with layers of flavor, making each bite a delight.
5. Salad: This Romaine Salad with avocado and tomato is a perfect choice as a refreshing side dish The recipe includes Romaine lettuce, Roma tomato, red onion, avocado, and a flavorful dressing. This delightful salad celebrates fresh, vibrant flavors and is a delicious addition to any meal and especially in this combo platter.
6. Shiro (Spiced Chickpea Flour Stew): Completing the ensemble is Shiro, a smooth and creamy stew made from roasted chickpea flour, onions, garlic, and spices. With its velvety texture and complex flavors, Shiro adds depth and richness to the platter, inviting guests to savor its comforting embrace.
7. Injera: The Heart of the Meal No Eritrean or Ethiopian feast is complete without injera, the spongy, sourdough flatbread that serves as the foundation of the meal. Tear off a piece of injera, scoop up the savory stews and vegetables, and let the flavors meld on your palate as you experience the true essence of Eritrean/Ethiopian.

Conclusion: As we conclude our culinary journey through the flavors, from the fiery spice of lentil stew to the comforting embrace of Shiro, each dish on the combination platter tells a taste of tradition, passion, and culinary mastery. So, the next time you crave a taste of the exotic, venture into the world of Eritrean and Ethiopian vegan cuisine, where every bite is a celebration of flavor, culture, and community.