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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Ethiopian Stewed Vegetables with Garlic, Ginger and Turmeric

4 to 6 Servings
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This is our version of the Ethiopian vegetable dish called atakilt wat. It’s a mix of humble vegetables—onion, potatoes, carrots and cabbage—cooked with a good dose of aromatics, earthy turmeric and cumin, and a solid measure of butter so the flavors are full and round. If you can find ghee, a type of clarified butter common in Indian cooking, use an equal amount in place of the salted butter. Its taste is nuttier and richer than standard butter because the milk solids were allowed to brown before being separated from the fat, so it adds complexity and flavor nuances. Ghee is sold in jars either in the refrigerator aisle next to the butter or in the grocery section near the coconut oil. This makes a great side to seared or grilled fish, or serve it with stewed lentils and flatbread (Ethiopian injera, if you can get some) for a vegetarian meal.

Tip

Don’t use russet potatoes in this recipe. They’re higher in starch, so they break down more easily with cooking and tend to have a mealy texture. Yukon Golds work well because of their medium starchiness and buttery color and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4

    tablespoons salted butter or ghee

  • 1

    medium yellow onion, chopped

Directions

Reviews
Jessica P.
April 8, 2025
Hearty and delicious!
Made this recipe for a cooking club and it was a hit! I think I would use more seasonings than what the recipe states. Add some chickpeas and serve over rice for a main vegetarian dish.
Chris H.
February 27, 2025
Surprise!
This was far, far better I expected and the ingredients should have warranted. Something about a tablespoon of butter per serving with garlic and ginger must be magical. Will double the recipe and make in Instantpot next time - with a little less butter to see if that effects the magic.
Susan N.
March 27, 2023
Love it!
Healthy and delicious.
Joi H.
November 21, 2022
Easy and Delicious
Discovered a similar dish at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Ann Arbor, MI. Was delighted that this satisfied our cravings when we can't be in Michigan.
Jan B.
July 5, 2022
Wonderful flavors!
This is a delicious vegetarian dish. I ate half of a full recipe for lunch and look forward to more tomorrow!

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