Eritrean-style Spiced Potato Stew

Ingredients

While the original Afghan Piro aloo is typically made with a blend of Afghan spices and flavors, the Eritrean-style Spiced Potato Stew incorporates traditional Eritrean spices like berbere and fenugreek. These spices add a unique and distinct flavor profile to the dish, giving it an authentic Eritrean taste. Additionally, the Eritrean version is often served with injera, a traditional Eritrean flatbread, which complements the stew perfectly. We alse have the original recipe for Piro aloo, so you can check it out.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (800g) 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (800g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup vegetable broth (240ml) 1 cup vegetable broth (240ml)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (240ml) 1 cup crushed tomatoes (240ml)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the berbere spice blend, ground cumin, ground coriander, and fenugreek seeds. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and toss them in the spice mixture until they are well coated.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Spiced Potato Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with injera or your favorite bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. You can also leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
• Berbere spice blend — If you can't find berbere spice blend, you can make your own by combining chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, coriander, fenugreek, and other spices to taste.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less berbere spice blend according to your preference.
• For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork before serving.
• Serve the Spiced Potato Stew with a side of yogurt or sour cream to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Eritrean-style Spiced Potato Stew hot, accompanied by injera or your favorite bread. The stew can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Eritrean delicacies.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spiced Potato Stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a traditional Eritrean clay pot or a rustic ceramic bowl to enhance the presentation.