Ethiopian Style Lentils with Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Warm, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors, Ethiopian Style Lentils with Yams or Sweet Potatoes is a hearty, plant-based dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping. This recipe combines protein-packed red lentils and tender, naturally sweet yams or sweet potatoes with the rich, aromatic spices of Berbere, cumin, and turmeric for an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine. Simmered in a fragrant tomato and vegetable broth base, this dish boasts a perfect balance of warmth, earthiness, and subtle heat. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy to make and ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone craving a nutritious, flavor-packed meal. Serve it with injera, naan, or fluffy steamed rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, satisfying finish.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 medium yams or sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Berbere spice blend
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the Berbere spice blend, ground cumin, and ground turmeric, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Add the cubed yams or sweet potatoes, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the yams or sweet potatoes are soft.

Step 9

Season with salt to taste and adjust the spices if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs well with injera or steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1709.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1085.5

Total Fat 38.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3444.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 38.8g
Protein 42.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 309.3mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 3984.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 54.3%