Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

Name: Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup black lentils, rinsed and drained; One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 4 skinless bone-in chicken thighs, fat trimmed; 2 teaspoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large sweet yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups), finely chopped; 5 large garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 3 tablespoons Berbere spice; 1 tablespoon sweet paprika; 1/2 cup white wine; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for serving; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

4 Ratings
8 Reviews

In this intensely comforting spiced chicken and black lentil stew, bold ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine simmer slowly with an Ethiopian spice blend called Berbere. The berbere spice blend can be substituted with an equal amount of Garam Masala for a very similar flavor profile in this dish. Slideshow: More Ethiopian Recipes

By Sarah Bolla

December 2012

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Credit: © Sarah Bolla

Recipe Summary

total:

2 hrs 50 mins

active:

20 mins

Yield:

Directions

Step 1
In a slow cooker, combine the lentils with the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the chicken and set over high heat.

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Step 2
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the berbere spice and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the wine to deglaze the spiced onion mixture from the bottom of the pan, cook for 2 minutes and transfer to the slow cooker. Season the stew generously with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours or on low for 5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 3
Transfer the chicken and lentils into bowls and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped cilantro.

Make Ahead

The stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

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Food & Wine Member

03/21/2021

We loved this. I think the spiciness depends on what Berbere blend you use, since that can vary so much. I made a modified version of Marc Samuelsson’s berbere from the Red Rooster. It was very flavorful and not spicy. I also used Frontier Co-op Smoked Paprika which is really good, a little smoky, sweet and mild. Also added cut up sweet potato to stew. Tasty! Will simmer some tofu in leftovers for 2nd go-round.

Food & Wine Member

02/10/2021

I am in agreement that this was way too spicy. I took the advice of others and decreased the amount of Berbere to 1 1/2 tablespoons. Still very spicy. I added 4 tablespoons Of red wine vinegar to the finished stew and let it sauté to thicken in my Instant Pot. Good flavors, needs less spice!! I might even double the lentils next time.

JL3672

07/20/2020

Absolutely delicious! I go to African stews for spiceyness - I guess if you don't like spice you could always go for a hot pot or something. But I thought this was a fantastic dish. Thanks for posting!!

mmouse9401

06/16/2020

Delicious!! And easy!! We loved this dish and would make it again for sure!

cmayes

04/13/2020

I made this on Easter using chicken tenders and an "instapot." When my husband eats something as leftovers, that says the recipe is awesome! I even had to make my own Berbere spice!

Janet Velasquez Cela

10/29/2019

Yes, the chicken was falling off the bone and flavors were good, (it is slow cooked after all) HOWEVER, I could not enjoy it due to the level of spiciness. I would reduce the amount of berbere to 1/3 the amount - just one tablespoon would be sufficient and still provide heat. What a shame.

sho594

12/19/2018

This is not an Ethiopian dish & 40% are not ingredients used in Ethiopian cooking!!!

Sarah Rowland

12/07/2016

Easy and very flavorful!! The chicken was falling off the bone. It's pretty spicy, so you definitely need the yogurt and cilantro to cool things off and brighten up the dish.

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Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

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Recipe Summary

Ingredients

Directions

Make Ahead

Reviews (8)

All Reviews for Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

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Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

Gallery

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

Directions

Make Ahead

Reviews (8)

All Reviews for Slow Cooker Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken and Black Lentil Stew