Ethiopian Azifa (Spiced Green Lentil Salad)

About This Recipe

Azifa is a cooling, protein-rich cold salad found on Ethiopian tables, particularly during fasting periods, its green lentils dressed with a sharp combination of mustard, lemon and fresh chile rather than any heavier sauce. The lentils are simmered until tender but still holding their shape, then tossed while slightly warm with diced onion, jalapeno and a mustard-lemon dressing that gives the dish its distinctive tangy, slightly sharp flavor. Served cold or at room temperature, azifa offers a refreshing contrast to Ethiopia's richer, spicier stews, and its combination of protein and bright acidity makes it a satisfying light lunch on its own.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1.5 cupsgreen lentils(rinsed)
• 4 cupswater
• 1 tspsalt(for cooking)
• 1/2red onion(finely diced)
• 1jalapeno pepper(finely diced)
• 2 tbspprepared mustard
• 3 tbsplemon juice
• 2 tbspolive oil
• 1/2 tspsalt(for dressing)
• 2 tbspchopped fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the lentils

   Simmer green lentils in water with salt for 18-20 minutes until tender but still holding their shape; drain well.

2. 2

   Cool slightly

   Let the lentils cool to warm or room temperature.

3. 3

   Make the dressing

   Whisk mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and salt together.

4. 4

   Combine

   Toss the lentils with diced onion, jalapeno and the mustard-lemon dressing.

   Let the lentils cool to at least warm before dressing — piping hot lentils can make the raw onion taste harsher and more pungent.

5. 5

   Add herbs

   Stir in the chopped fresh herbs.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

• •

  Some versions add finely diced tomato for extra freshness.

• •

  A version with a bit of berbere spice stirred into the dressing gives extra warmth.

• •

  Chickpeas can substitute for or supplement the lentils for a different texture.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container; the flavor deepens as it sits, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Frequently Asked Questions