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Mesob Meles: A Sumptuous Ethiopian Dinner Feast for 6

Discover the captivating flavors of an Ethiopian Mesob Meles, a sumptuous vegetarian dinner feast designed to tantalize your senses and delight your guests. This gourmet recipe features a rich red lentil soup base, tender vegetables, and a Berbere spice blend that adds depth and complexity to every bite. Served over brown basmati rice in a traditional Ethiopian woven basket called a Mesob, this dish is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Enjoy the captivating aroma and mouthfeel of this Flux/ComfyUI compatible culinary masterpiece with your loved ones.

🕒 Prep: 30 minutes - Cook: 30 minutes - Total: 1 hour
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Difficulty: Advanced
🌎 Cuisine: Ethiopian

Allergens

N/A (This recipe is designed for a standard diet)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red lentil soup base (Berbere seasoning)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup brown basmati rice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup collard greens, chopped
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • 1 cup Swiss chard, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • 1 cup celery root, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp Berbere spice blend
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add grated carrots, diced celery root, and sweet potatoes to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in Berbere seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  5. In a separate pot, cook brown basmati rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
  6. Add collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, red lentil soup base, kidney beans, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes or until greens are tender.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve over cooked brown basmati rice.

Chef’s Insight

The Berbere spice blend adds a deep, complex flavor profile to this dish, while the combination of vegetables creates a satisfying mouthfeel.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. It's best to prepare the dish in advance and allow it to rest before serving.

Cultural or Historical Background

Ethiopian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and use of local ingredients like teff flour and Berbere spice blends. This dish showcases the country's rich culinary heritage.