Yataklete Kilkil -- Ethiopian Vegetables With Garlic and Ginger

From the Time Life series of African cooking. This is traditionally served during Lent as a main course but can be served any time of the year as a side dish.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  small potatoes, peeled
• 3  large carrots, peeled
• 1⁄2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 2  medium onions, chopped
• 1  large green pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 2  whole  fresh hot chili peppers, washed and seeded and chopped
• 1  tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
• 2  teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper
• 6  large scallions, trimmed and chopped

Directions

1. Start by slicing the potatoes crosswise into circular slices, dropping them as you go into cold water to stop them from discolouring.
2. If you want to be fancy, use a small knife to cut out narrow v-shaped wedges 1/4 inch deep at 1/2 inch intervals all around the outside of the potatoes.
3. Also cut the carrots lengthwise into quarters and then crosswise into 2-inch lengths.
4. When you are ready to cook the veggies, first drop the potatoes into boiling water, then add the carrots and beans.
5. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.
6. Set them aside to drain completely.
7. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onions, green pepper and chilies.
8. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are soft but not brown.
9. Add the garlic, ginger, salt and pepper and stir for a minute or so.
10. Add the reserved vegetables and the scallions and mix until everything is coated in oil.
11. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and cook for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender but still crisp to the bite.