Kik Alicha (Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew)
Local name: ክክ አልጫ
In short: Yellow split peas simmered with onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric into a creamy, mild vegan stew, a staple of the Ethiopian fasting table. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 5 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Kik alicha is the gentle, golden cousin of the red stews, made from yellow split peas simmered with onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Alicha means mild in Amharic, so there is no berbere here, just warm spices and the sweetness of slow-cooked onion. It is a regular on fasting platters and is often served to children and anyone who prefers little heat. The peas cook down into a thick, creamy stew.
Instructions
- Soak the split peas in cold water for 1 hour, then drain. This step is optional but shortens the cooking time.
- Put the onions in a heavy pot over medium heat with no oil. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring, adding a splash of water if they stick, until soft.
- Add the oil, garlic and ginger and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in the turmeric for 30 seconds.
- Add the split peas and the water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then simmer partly covered for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring often, until the peas collapse into a thick stew. Add hot water if it becomes too dry.
- Mash some of the peas against the side of the pot with a spoon, then stir in the salt and the chili if using. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm with injera, with a little oil drizzled over the top.
Tips
- Use yellow split peas, not whole dried peas. Soaking saves about 15 minutes of cooking and gives a creamier stew.
- For a richer stew, stir 1 tablespoon of extra oil into the pot just before serving.
Questions and answers
What does alicha mean?
Alicha means mild in Amharic. An alicha dish uses turmeric, garlic and ginger instead of berbere, so it is flavorful but not hot.
Can I use chana dal instead of split peas?
Yes. Chana dal (split chickpeas) is a close substitute, but it takes 60 to 70 minutes to soften and has a nuttier flavor.
Why has my kik alicha thickened so much?
Split peas keep absorbing liquid as the stew cools. Loosen it with a splash of hot water when you reheat it.
How long does it take to make Kik Alicha (Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kik Alicha (Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
