Cookbook:Shiro (Ethiopian Spiced Chickpea or Lentil Stew)

Shiro is a flavorful Ethiopian stew made with spiced chickpea or lentil flour. It is a popular vegetarian dish that is rich in protein and aromatic spices. Shiro has a thick and creamy consistency, making it perfect for scooping up with injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread. This delicious stew is easy to make and full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 large onion, finely chopped
 * 3 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 1 cup shiro powder (chickpea or lentil flour)
 * 4 cups vegetable broth or water
 * 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
 * ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
 * ¼ teaspoon black pepper
 * Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

 * Large pot
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Cutting board
 * Knife

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent and slightly browned.
 * 3) Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
 * 4) Sprinkle the berbere spice blend, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper over the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
 * 5) Add the shiro powder to the pot and stir it into the onion and spice mixture.
 * 6) Gradually pour in the vegetable broth or water while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.
 * 7) Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The stew will thicken and develop a rich flavor.
 * 8) Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
 * 9) Remove the pot from the heat and let the shiro rest for a few minutes before serving.
 * 10) Garnish the shiro with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with injera or bread for dipping.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Shiro powder is available in Ethiopian or specialty grocery stores. It comes in both chickpea and lentil varieties. Choose the one you prefer or try a combination of both.
 * If the shiro stew becomes too thick upon standing, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more vegetable broth or water and stirring until desired thickness is achieved.
 * For a heartier version, you can add cooked and chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach to the stew.
 * Some variations of shiro include the addition of minced meat or ground beef for extra richness and flavor.
 * Customize the spiciness of the shiro by adjusting the amount of berbere spice blend according to your taste preferences.