Yatakilt Alicha
Ethiopian Mild Vegetable Stew
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegetable stew featuring tender carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, gently simmered with aromatic spices. This dish is naturally vegan and often prepared during fasting periods.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 medium head (about 4 cups shredded) Cabbage
- 3 medium (about 1 lb) Potatoes
- 3 medium (about 1/2 lb) Carrots
- 1 large Yellow Onion
- 3-4 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- 4 tablespoons Neutral Cooking Oil(Such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
- 1/2 cup Water or Vegetable Broth(For simmering)
- to taste Salt
- optional, to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare all your vegetables: thinly slice the cabbage, peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces, peel and slice the carrots, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready (mise en place) will make the cooking process smoother.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (approximately 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and turmeric, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir well to coat them with the onion, garlic, and turmeric mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly sear the vegetables.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth. Stir everything together. The liquid will help steam the vegetables.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the stew cook. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender but not mushy, and the cabbage has softened.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 6
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the lid. Season generously with salt to taste. If desired, add a pinch of black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 3 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water.
- ✓Adjust the amount of turmeric to your preference; it provides both color and a warm, earthy flavor.
- ✓Serve hot with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) for an authentic experience.
- ✓This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of green beans along with the cabbage for extra color and texture.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- For a touch of heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.