Shiro Wot – (Ground Lentil and Chickpea Stew)

• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil (I use less)
  
• 1 tsp Berbere (half of this if you want your Gringo friends to speak to you)
  
• 2.5 cups water
• Salt as needed
• 1/2 cup Shiro powder (it's a pain to make, so buy it from some nice Ethiopian)
• cilantro as a topping (optional)
  

Finely chop onion and garlic and in a medium pot, saute with olive oil for about 3-4 minutes. Add Berbere spice and a couple of tablespoons of water and simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining water to the pot and carefully whisk in shiro powder a teaspoon at a time until completely combined. Let cook on low heat until it becomes thick but smooth – about 15-20  minutes. Salt to taste. Top with cilantro if you wish.  Serve hot with Injera on the side.