Main Course · African · Dinner ·

Ethiopian Tenadam-Eggplant Stew with Berbere-Spiced Lentils

Name: Ethiopian Tenadam-Eggplant Stew with Berbere-Spiced Lentils
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Red lentils, 1 cup, rinsed; Berbere spice mix, 2 tablespoons; Olive oil, 1 tablespoon; Onion, 1, finely chopped; Garlic, 3 cloves, minced; Vegetable broth, 4 cups; Eggplants, 2 medium, chopped; Tenadam leaves, 2 tablespoons; Tomatoes, 2, diced; Ginger, 1 tablespoon, grated; Olive oil, 2 tablespoons; Salt and pepper, To taste

This Ethiopian-inspired dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of Berbere-spiced lentils with the fresh aroma of tenadam herbs and tender eggplants.

4.2(463 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 13, 2025

Ethiopian Tenadam-Eggplant Stew with Berbere-Spiced Lentils — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Berbere-Spiced Lentils

For the Tenadam-Eggplant Stew

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 327 kcal
Protein: 14.95 g
Carbs: 44.35 g
Fat: 11.28 g
Fiber: 9.2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1309 kcal
Protein: 59.8 g
Carbs: 177.4 g
Fat: 45.1 g
Fiber: 36.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Red lentils 1 cup, rinsed	678	49.5	115	2	15.6
Berbere spice mix 2 tablespoons	40	2	8	1	4
Olive oil 1 tablespoon	119	0	0	13.5	0
Onion 1, finely chopped	44	1.2	10.3	0.1	1.9
Garlic 3 cloves, minced	13	0.5	3	0	0.2
Vegetable broth 4 cups	40	2	8	0	0
Eggplants 2 medium, chopped	80	2	20	1	11
Tenadam leaves 2 tablespoons	10	0.5	2	0	1
Tomatoes 2, diced	44	2	10	0.5	3
Ginger 1 tablespoon, grated	5	0.1	1.1	0	0.1
Olive oil 2 tablespoons	238	0	0	27	0
Salt and pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Berbere-Spiced Lentils

1
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and sauté until softened.
2
Toast Spices
Stir in berbere spice mix and toast briefly, about 1 minute.
Tip: Toast your berbere spice blend briefly in a dry pan to intensify its flavors.
3
Simmer Lentils
Add lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Tip: Ensure the lentils do not become mushy; retain some bite for texture.

Preparing the Tenadam-Eggplant Stew

1
Brown Eggplants
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped eggplants and sauté until golden brown.
2
Cook Stew
Stir in tomatoes, grated ginger, tenadam leaves, and cook for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Tip: Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.