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Azifa (Green Lentil Salad)

Azifa is a popular Ethiopian green lentil salad that is customarily served on a communal platter with a number of other side dishes, main courses, and the flatbread known as injera. It can be made more or less spicy depending on the number of chili peppers added to the recipe. Though the dish does not require long to cook, advance planning is necessary so that the lentils can soak overnight. East African immigrants introduced the dish to America.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
5 minutes
+ 8 hours 30 minutes resting
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
9 hours 35 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green lentils
  • Water, as needed
  • 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 5 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp prepared mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Soak the lentils overnight.
  2. Drain the lentils, place them in a medium saucepan, and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Lower heat to medium and simmer for 45 minutes until soft.
  4. Drain remaining water from lentils and place in a large bowl. Mash lentils lightly with a potato masher.
  5. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  6. Place in refrigerator and chill prior to serving.

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