Yellow Split Pea Stew

Ingredients

 * Kik Alicha
 * 3 cups water plus 2 tablespoons (divided)
 * 1 cup dried yellow split peas
 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1/2 small onion, chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 1 1 inch-long piece fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
 * 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

 * 1) This vegetarian stew is adapted from a recipe from Ethiopian Village. To make the dish spicy, omit the ginger and add in its place 1 tablespoon of Berbere Spice Mixture (see accompanying recipe), 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and chopped green chilies to taste.
 * 2) Place 3 cups of the water and the peas in large saucepan. Heat over high heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; cook until almost tender, about 30 minutes.
 * 3) Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; cook onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and turmeric; cook 1 minute.
 * 4) Add remaining 2 tablespoons water; cover. Cook on low heat 3 minutes. Add mixture to cooked peas; stir in salt. Simmer until peas are very soft, about 30 minutes. Taste; adjust seasonings.