Step 1

Add diced onions to a dry saucepan set over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of salt and saute until onions become soft and start to brown.

Step 2

Stir in a tablespoon of the vegan niter kibbeh and ginger garlic paste. Saute for a couple of minutes.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes to the saucepan and mix them in. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes turn very soft and pulpy.

Step 4

Stir in the berbere, ground coriander and ground cumin. Mix and let the spices cook with the tomatoes and onions for a couple of minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the lentils and add two cups of water. Mix, bring to a boil, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are very soft and mushy. If needed add more water and/or reduce heat to medium low.

Step 6

Toward the end of cooking you can stir in the other tablespoon of niter kibbeh, if you like, for even more flavor. Also add more salt as needed. The stew is ready when it is very thick and bubbly and you see a few droplets of oil at the top. Turn off heat and serve hot or warm.