Ethiopian Beef Jerky and Split Lentils Stew (Quwanta-Miser Wot)

This was my grandgather's favorite dish. It is a delicious dish with Injera (Ethiopian flat bread).

Ingredients:

1 cup split red lentils
1 cup small pieces of Beef Jerky (Quwanta)*
2 tablespoon chili pepper (Berbere)
1 red onion or shallot (thinly chopped)
2 tablespoon extra-virgin or vegetable oil
2 tablespoon purified/clarified butter (Nitir kebe) **
4 glove garlic (diced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cardamom powder (korerima) if available ***
Black pepper and salt to taste

Preparation:

1st Step: Boil the beef jerkey in three cups of water till tender;

2nd Step: Sauté the onion with ½ cup of water and two tablespoons of oil for 5 minutes or until tender;

3rd Step: To the cooked onion add half cup of water, chili powder (berbere), butter, garlic and black pepper. Stir for 10 minutes;

4th Step: To the boiling sauce, add half cup of water, beef jerky and cook for 10 minutes;

5th Step: Meanwhile, bring to boil 4 cups of water in a medium pot. Rinse the lentils with fresh water and add to it. Cook for 5 minutes;

6th Step: Remove the foam with spoon from the lentils and discard . Lightly drain the extra water in a container or a cup;

7th Step: Combine the lentils and the beef jerky sauce. Mix well. If more water is needed, use the set-aside water. Cook the stew for 20 minutes or until it simmers;

8th Step: Add false cardamom and salt to taste. Remove from heat. Serve it warm with Injera, pita bread etc.

6 Servings

P.S. If Ethiopian Beef Jerky (Quwanta) is not available, fried beef without any grease will be tasty too.

*Click here to prepare Ethiopian Beef Jerky (Quwanta)
** Click here to prepare Purified/Clarified Butter (Nitir Kebe)
*** You will find these spices in Ethiopian or Indian shops/groceries

For nutritional facts of this recipe please visit http://www.recipezaar.com/348191. For vitamin content please click on "Print Recipe" on aforementioned site.