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Ethiopia · Food

Kik Alicha

40 min
350 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · September 8, 2026

Kik Alicha🇪🇹AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

22 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Kik Alicha. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 22 matches

A 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.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Kik Alicha from another cuisine is Chicken Ginataang Manok (Philippines): the two share 67% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How 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 served 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.

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