Berbere Lentil Salad
This easy-to-make Berbere lentil salad is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Berbere is a spice blend commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine, and it adds a warm, earthy flavor to the lentils. The lemony, smoky dressing with the fresh herbs makes this salad shine! It is also vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups brown lentils cooked
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- juice of 1.5 lemons
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 bunch cilantro + 1/2 bunch parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
3 tsp berbere spice* (store-bought or make your own, recipe for a larger batch):
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp ginger
- 1/2 tbsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek
- 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 3/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
Instructions
- Begin by finely chopping the red onion. Add it to a salad bowl with the lemon juice and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes. Add olive oil and the berbere spice and mix well.
- Meanwhile, chop the bell peppers into small cubes. Finely dice the fresh herbs.
- Now add the lentils, bell peppers, and fresh herbs to the marinade. Mix well. Serve the salad at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.