🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Kik Alicha
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA delicate, vibrant yellow split pea stew from Ethiopia. This gentle, non-spicy dish is beloved for its creamy texture and rich, buttery aroma, making it a perfect balance to bolder dishes on a shared platter.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Rinse 300g of yellow split peas thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2
Place the peas in a pot, cover with 800ml of water, and bring to a boil; then simmer for 30 minutes until soft.
- 3
In a separate pan, sauté 2 finely diced onions with 2 tablespoons of niter kibbeh until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.
- 4
Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger to the onions, stirring for 1 minute.
- 5
Drain the cooked peas if there is excess liquid, but retain a little to keep them creamy.
- 6
Fold the spiced onion mixture into the cooked split peas and stir gently to combine.
- 7
Simmer everything together on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the peas to fully absorb the golden butter sauce.
- 8
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and adjust the thickness with more water if it becomes too dense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kik Alicha?+
Kik Alicha is a mild Ethiopian split pea stew featuring turmeric, which gives it a bright yellow color. It is a popular vegan option served during fasting periods and as a key component of the vegetarian platter.
Why use yellow split peas?+
Yellow split peas are preferred for their mild, slightly nutty flavor and their ability to break down into a naturally smooth, porridge-like consistency.
Can I make it spicy?+
While the traditional version is mild, you can add minced green chilies to the onion base if you prefer a heat kick.
Is it gluten-free?+
Yes, Kik Alicha is naturally gluten-free; serve it on injera made from teff (which is also gluten-free) for a fully safe meal.
What if the peas are still hard?+
Add more hot water and continue to simmer; split peas can vary in age and may require extra time to achieve the correct creaminess.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
