“I’m a classic melting-pot story,” chef Fanta Prada of Balinjera in Tel Aviv says. “I’m an Ethiopian married to a Yemeni man, and I cook all kinds of food at home. On Passover we always make this potato and cabbage dish. Like many Ethiopian recipes it does not contain many expensive ingredients but is rich in flavor and texture. Somewhere between a soup and a stew, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a larger meal with a meat component. The vegetables are roughly cut so that they maintain their shape and soak up the garlicky, spicy, gingery broth.” This recipe will yield more of the spicy condiment awaze than you need, but you can use what’s leftover in almost any other soup or stew, or mix it into mayonnaise to punch up your next sandwich. It even makes a great marinade for chicken or fish.
Recipe information
Yield
8 Servings
Ingredients
Awaze
stew
Preparation
Awaze
Step 1
Purée jalapeños, chile de árbol, garlic, ginger, cilantro, oil, and salt in a small blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer awaze to a small glass jar or airtight container, seal tightly or cover, and chill until ready to use.
Do ahead: Awaze can be made 1 week ahead. Keep chilled.
Stew
Step 2
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Cook onions, stirring often, until softened and golden, 12–14 minutes. Add carrots and cook, stirring, 1 minute, then add 1 cup water and cook, stirring, until carrots are tender, 7–9 minutes. Add potatoes, cabbage, green and red jalapeños, garlic, salt, turmeric, ¼ cup awaze, and 2 Tbsp. water and mix well to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are partly tender, 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, until potatoes are completely tender, 8–10 minutes. Uncover stew and give it a good stir. Stew can be served hot, warm, or room temperature.
Do ahead: Stew can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. (The flavor will get even better.)
