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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Minnesota-Ethiopian Hot Dish Recipe | A Fusion of Ethiopian and Midwest Comfort

Discover the Minnesota-Ethiopian Hot Dish recipe! This one-pan meal blends Ethiopian spices like berbere with Midwest casserole tradition. Perfect for potlucks, vegetarian-friendly, and easy to make.

Delicious Minnesota-Ethiopian Hot Dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs, featuring chickpeas, lentils, and vibrant Ethiopian spices served in a casserole dish.
Vegetarian hot dish

Minnesota-Ethiopian Hot Dish Recipe

Experience the bold flavors of Ethiopia combined with the hearty comfort of a classic Midwest hot dish. This vegetarian-friendly casserole uses chickpeas, lentils, and Ethiopian spices for a unique, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Creamy Base: 1 can cream of mushroom soup (14 oz)
  • Spices: 2 tbsp olive oil or niter kibbeh, 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), 1 can diced carrots (14 oz), 1 can diced potatoes (14 oz), 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 can green peas (7 oz)
  • Proteins: 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), 1 cup green lentils (rinsed)
  • Liquid Base: 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, 2 tbsp niter kibbeh or olive oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or niter kibbeh over medium heat. Sauté onion until golden (5-7 min). Add garlic, ginger, and toast spices for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, and potatoes. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils soften.
  4. Mix in spinach, peas, and cream of mushroom soup. Cook until thickened (5 min). Adjust seasoning.
  5. For the topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the hot dish.
  6. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.

Serve warm with injera bread or a side salad for a perfect fusion meal.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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