If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, look no further than Kik Alicha – a traditional Ethiopian yellow split pea stew. Made with simple ingredients and aromatic spices, this hearty dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Kik Alicha is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s made with yellow split peas that are simmered in a flavorful broth until tender and creamy. The dish gets its characteristic yellow color from the addition of turmeric – a spice that not only adds flavor but also has numerous health benefits.
One of the key ingredients in Kik Alicha is niter kibbeh – an Ethiopian seasoned clarified butter that’s infused with spices such as garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, and cardamom. Niter kibbeh adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish and is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and aromatic flavors.
Making Kik Alicha at home is easy and requires only a few simple steps. Start by rinsing your yellow split peas in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, heat up some niter kibbeh or unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and add your chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent before adding in your minced garlic and grated ginger.
Add your turmeric and cook for another minute before adding in your yellow split peas. Pour in your water and bring to a boil before reducing heat to low and simmering until the peas are tender. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Kik Alicha can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with some crusty bread. It’s perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be easily reheated. You can also customize the dish by adding other ingredients such as vegetables or protein to suit your taste.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make Kik Alicha at home using our step-by-step recipe. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this delicious Ethiopian dish. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (Ethiopian seasoned clarified butter) or unsalted butter
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by rinsing your yellow split peas in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat up a medium saucepan over medium heat and add your niter kibbeh or butter. Once melted, add your chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add in your minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute before adding in your turmeric. Cook for another minute.
- Add your yellow split peas to the saucepan and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Pour in your water and bring to a boil before reducing heat to low and simmering for about 40 minutes or until the peas are tender.
- Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
Notes
- Niter kibbeh is a type of seasoned clarified butter used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. It is made by simmering butter with spices and herbs such as garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom.
- The milk solids and water content are then removed, leaving behind the pure butterfat infused with the flavors of the spices and herbs.
- Niter kibbeh has a high smoke point and a longer shelf life than regular butter. It is used as a cooking fat and flavoring agent in many traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes.
- You can use regular unsalted butter instead of niter kibbeh in the Kik Alicha recipe. However, niter kibbeh is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs that give it a unique flavor and aroma. Using regular butter instead of niter kibbeh will result in a milder flavor.
- If you want to replicate the flavor of niter kibbeh, you can try adding some additional spices such as cumin, fenugreek, and cardamom to the recipe.
- The main spice used in the Kik Alicha recipe is turmeric, which gives the dish its characteristic yellow color and mild, earthy flavor. If you are using niter kibbeh (Ethiopian seasoned clarified butter) instead of regular unsalted butter, it will also add additional flavors from the spices and herbs used to make it.
- Niter kibbeh is typically made by simmering butter with spices such as garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish.
- Kik Alicha is a versatile dish and you can add other ingredients to it to suit your taste. Some common additions include vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or spinach. You can also add some heat to the dish by including diced jalapeño peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you want to add some protein to the dish, you can try adding some diced chicken or cubed tofu. Experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that you like best!
