ጤና ይስጥልኝ From Ethiopia!

Formerly know as Abyssinia and home of 5th largest coffee exports (1), the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is full of mountains, valleys and delectable dishes sure to make any one's mouth water. Ethiopian food comes in many forms, from beef to vegan dishes, there's something for everyone.

A typical meal consists of some sort of wat (stew) served on top of injera (flat bread).

Wat is stew made from a wide variety of vegetables, spices and proteins.  Anything from lentils to lamb can be used as the main component (the protein) of wat.  Carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, peas and tomatoes can be found in most types of wat although many people just use what’s on hand and don’t follow any specific recipe. As for the protein, many living in poverty can’t afford to have meat every day, Ethiopians eat large amounts of beans, lentils and chickpeas - all great options for meat substitutes plus the bonus fiber makes it that much healthier.  

Similarly to India, Ethiopia uses a generous amount of strong spices such as turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. (These are just a few examples of the many different spices found in Ethiopia’s cuisine). Many people find it absolutely disgusting not to use utensils but in Ethiopia it is quite common. The forks and spoons are replaced with injera, flat bread used mainly to pick up wat. Injera is made of the teff grain and is recognized as a superfood due to its amazing health benefits.  Teff is full of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin B.

Wide variety of Ethiopian dishes served on injera

Despite never having been to Ethiopia, I'm glad that I have an Ethiopian restaurant here in town that gives me the opportunity to explore the cuisine and culture of Ethiopia which turns out is pretty awesome! For that I am grateful to World Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant.  First off let me tell you that exotic cuisine may not always look appetizing (because of its stew look) but it sure does taste delicious! World Marathon has dishes that are to die for! The ultimate meal comprises meser Wat and doro tibs.

Meser wat is a red lentil stew flavored with ginger, onion and chilies. The lentils have potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin K, and fiber and the chilies are full of vitamin A and C which are all key to maintaining a healthy diet.

Meser wat on injera

Doro tibs is chicken pieces in a sauce made from onions, tomatoes, garlic and hot pepper. Tomatoes have really high quantities of vitamin C that with the protein from the chicken make this meal a must try for immune system and muscle health everywhere. 

Go for it!  Give Ethiopian cuisine a try.  You won't regret it.

Doro tibs served with a side of greens on injera

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1. http://www.ecf-coffee.org/about-coffee/coffee-facts