Slow Cooker Berbere Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Berbere Chicken and Black Lentil Stew

Fresh ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine simmer slowly with Berbere, a fragrant Ethiopian spice blend in this comforting chicken and lentil stew.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup black lentils, rinsed and drained
• one 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 skinless bone-in chicken thighs, fat trimmed
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large sweet yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups), finely chopped
• 5 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons berbere spice
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 cup white wine
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt for serving
• fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the lentils with the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the chicken and set over high heat.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the berbere spice and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the wine to deglaze the spiced onion mixture from the bottom of the pan, cook for 2 minutes and transfer to the slow cooker. Season the stew generously with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours or on low for 5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Transfer the chicken and lentils into bowls and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped cilantro.