Yeshinbera Assa Wot (Chickpeas Fish Stew)

Yeshinbera Assa Wot is one of Ethiopian equisite dish. The literal meaning of Yeshinbra Assa is chickpeas fish but there is no fish inside the dish except the design which looks like fish. We prepare this dish, when we have a special occasion during Lent time. It is my mother's favorite dish. . It is a delightful dish for Vegans and Vegetarians.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 4  cups chickpeas (spiced and powdered)
• 4  cups red onions (thinly chopped) or 4  cups shallots (thinly chopped)
• 1 1⁄2 cups chili powder (berbere)
• 5  cups water (or more)
• 2  cups  vegetable oil or 2  cups  corn oil
• 1  tablespoon fresh garlic or 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 2  teaspoons cardamom (korerima)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  fresh ginger root juice
•  salt and black pepper

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the spiced chickpeas flour, salt, and ½ cup of oil; gently mix the ingredients together adding water slowly until the dough is smooth.
2. Spread the dough on a baking sheet using cookie scooping tools; shape them as fish or as desired.
3. Bake the chickpeas cookies for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In meantime, in medium pot, sauté the onion using one cup of water by adding two tablespoons each time until the onion is golden brown and soft,.
5. Add one cup of water to the cooked onion, hot red chili powder, garlic, ginger, black cumin, and stir it well; add 1½ cups of oil, stir for 15 minutes.
6. Add three cups of water (or more if need); Cook for 15 minutes.
7. To the boiling sauce, add the baked chickpeas cookies; stir and cook, in a lower heat, for 20 minutes or until it simmers.
8. Add cardamom, salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
9. Keep it in the refrigerator and serve it cold with Injera (Ethiopian Flat Bread) or bread of your choice.
10. * You will find these spices in Ethiopian or Indian shops/groceries.