Shenbra Asa Wot Recipe

Vegan Series: Ethiopian Dishes (3/n)

Shenbra Asa Wot is a traditional Ethiopian vegan dish where gram dough is shaped like small balls, deep-fried, and cooked in a rich, spicy berbere-based sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Gram Balls (Shenbra Asa):

• 1 cup gram flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cardamom

• ½ cup water (adjust as needed)

• Olive oil for frying

For the Wot (Stew):

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons berbere spice (preferably, awaze sauce which we made previously)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (korerima)

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3 cups water (or as needed)

• Salt to taste

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  Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Shenbra Asa (Gram Ball)

1. In a bowl, mix gram flour, salt, garlic powder, cardamom and black pepper.

2. Slowly add water while stirring until you get a thick dough.

3. Shape the dough into small ball pieces.

4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the pieces until golden brown.

5. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stew (Wot)

1. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat, add onions, and cook until soft.

2. Add the oil and sauté for a few more minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute.

4. Add the berbere spice (awaze sauce) and mix well, cooking for another 5 -10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it darkens.

6. Add cardamom, black pepper, and salt.

7. Pour in water and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

1. Add the fried gram balls to the simmering stew.

2. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3. Adjust salt and spice levels to your taste.

Step 4: Serve

• Traditionally served with Injera, Ethiopia’s sourdough flatbread.

• You can also enjoy it with rice or bread.

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