Traditional Pension: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Retirement Income

Ingredients

1 cup of dried brown lentils
4 cups of water
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of fenugreek
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 green chili peppers, chopped (optional)
Salt to taste
Freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

Place the lentils in a large pot, add the water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer for about 30 minutes until they are soft.
While the lentils are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown.
Add the turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek to the onion mixture. Stir well and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes and green chili peppers (if using) to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft.
Once the lentils are cooked, add the onion and tomato mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir well to combine.
Season with salt to taste and add the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

Large pot - Used to cook the lentils
Frying pan - Used to cook the onion and tomato mixture
Cutting board - Used for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and cilantro
Knife - Used for chopping ingredients
Measuring cup - Used to measure lentils and water
Measuring spoons - Used to measure spices
Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the lentils and onion mixture
Lemon squeezer - Used to extract juice from the lemon

Recipe variations

For a spicier version, add more green chili peppers or a pinch of red chili powder.
Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or spinach to make it a heartier dish.
To make it creamier, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk or yogurt at the end.
For a meaty option, you can add cooked chicken or lamb to the lentils.
Experiment with different spices like garam masala, coriander, or paprika to add a unique flavor.
Substitute the brown lentils with red lentils or yellow lentils for a different texture and taste.
For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and skip the yogurt or coconut milk.
Serve the lentils over steamed rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

This traditional Pesion recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that originates from the Middle East. It's packed with nutritious lentils, aromatic spices, and vibrant fresh herbs. The combination of turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek gives this dish a unique and delicious taste that will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. With a touch of fresh lemon juice added at the end, this dish has a perfect balance of flavors. It's a comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal or a side, and can also be served with bread or rice. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy the process of preparing this dish, and savor each flavorful bite.

Common questions

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils? - Yes, you can use canned lentils if you prefer. Just skip the boiling step and add the canned lentils directly to the onion and tomato mixture in step 6.
Can I use other types of lentils? - Yes, you can use other types of lentils such as green lentils or red lentils. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Can I omit the chili peppers? - Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chili peppers. The dish will still be delicious.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro? - Yes, you can use dried cilantro if fresh cilantro is not available. However, fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier? - If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the onion and tomato mixture.
Can I make this recipe in advance? - Yes, this dish can be made in advance and reheated before serving. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together.
What can I serve with Traditional Pension? - Traditional Pension is often served with steamed rice or naan bread. It also pairs well with a side of yogurt or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - to cook the lentils
Frying pan - for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger
Knife - for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and cilantro
Cutting board - to safely chop the ingredients
Wooden spoon - for stirring the lentils and onion mixture
Measuring cups - to measure lentils and water
Measuring spoons - for precise measurement of spices
Lemon squeezer - to extract juice from the lemon
Serving bowl - to present and serve the Traditional Pension

Origin stories

Pension, also known as Ethiopian lentil stew, has a rich history rooted in Ethiopian culture. This dish is traditionally served on a communal platter with injera, a type of sourdough flatbread, which is used to scoop up the stew. The lentils in the dish are a symbol of prosperity in Ethiopian culture, and despite its humble ingredients, the dish is considered a sign of abundance and wealth. Because Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity observes many fasting days throughout the year where no animal products are consumed, lentil-based dishes like Pension have become staples in the diet, loved for their richness and satisfying flavors. The warmth and depth of this traditional dish echo the hospitality and vibrant community spirit characteristic of Ethiopian culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.