Ethiopian Lentil Bowl

This recipe hails from the Simply in Season cookbook, a collection of recipes that rely on fresh local ingredients in the spirit of More-with-Less. Along with recipes you will find many passages in this book relating local food to social justice around the world, environmental impact, and a Christian’s responsibility to be a mindful consumer.

I will admit, we are often swayed by low prices and convenient supermarkets, but I have found my experiences at local farmer’s markets to be more cost effective and spiritually rewarding than any trip to the mega-chain. I would encourage you to see for yourself that buying local can be an answer to poverty. I would also encourage you to check out this cookbook for an abundance of thrifty seasonal and year-long recipes.

Ethiopian Lentil Bowl

• 2 cups / 500 ml dried red lentils (sorted and rinsed) I used 3 cups
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 1 head garlic (peeled and mashed) I used 2 tbsp of minced garlic
  
• 3 tbsp tomato paste (I added the whole 6oz can)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (double)
• 1 tsp salt (double, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or puree 2 inches fresh ginger root)
• 1/4 tsp pepper (double, to taste)
• 3 cups / 750 ml water (double)
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml lemon or lime juice (I used half a lime)
  

Soak lentils for 30 minutes in hot water. While these are soaking, saute the onion and garlic in a large soup pot until golden. Puree ginger root with tomato paste and 1 cup of water. Add to soup pot along with the salt, pepper, paprika, and water. After this reaches a boil add your lentils, lower the heat and simmer (covered) for 45 minutes. Juice lemon/lime and add to soup. Garnish with wedges for presentation.

This made such a hearty and frugal soup! The paprika, tomato, and lime add a delightful twist to traditional flavors!

“My head bent over a bowl of steaming soup, my prayer seems to be incense floating up to heaven. I think God likes soup.” -Mary Beth Lind, Coauthor of Simply in Season.

For more seasonal recipes check out the Recipe of the Week, from Simply in Season!