Lunches
Timtimo
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 250 g (1 1/4 cups) Split red lentils, rinsed
- 900 ml (3 3/4 cups) Water
- 1 medium Red onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Berbere spice blend
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
Method
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion over medium heat until golden, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, berbere and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the lentils and water, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils break down into a thick stew.
- Season with salt and add a splash more water if the stew is thicker than you'd like.
- Serve hot with injera or kicha.
Introduction: Timtimo is a spiced red lentil stew eaten throughout Eritrea, especially valued during fasting periods for its protein content without meat or dairy.
Cultural Background: Timtimo is a spiced red lentil stew eaten throughout Eritrea, especially valued during fasting periods for its protein content without meat or dairy. Its bright, thin-bodied sauce is scooped up with injera or kicha at shared family meals.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding water as needed to loosen.
Tips: Stir occasionally near the end of cooking to prevent the lentils catching on the base of the pan. A squeeze of lemon at the table brightens the finished dish.
Variations: Add chopped fresh tomato in the last 5 minutes for extra freshness. Use yellow split peas in place of lentils for a variation called nifro-style timtimo. Naturally vegan; a core fasting-day dish. Appetizers
Nutrition: Calories: 245 kcal · Protein: 13 g · Carbs: 32 g · Fat: 7 g · Fiber: 8 g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use brown or green lentils instead?
A: Red lentils are traditional for their quick-cooking, creamy breakdown; brown lentils will hold their shape more and need longer cooking.
Q: Is timtimo spicy?
A: It has a gentle warmth from berbere rather than a fiery heat; adjust the quantity to taste.
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