Indulge in the rich cultural tapestry of Eritrea with Alicha, a tantalizing traditional dish that captures the essence of Eritrean culinary heritage. Alicha, with its subtle blend of aromatic spices and tender meats or vegetables, offers a culinary journey that transports you to the vibrant streets of Asmara. This savory delicacy, characterized by its gentle flavors and delicate textures, embodies the art of Eritrean cooking, where simplicity meets sophistication. Experience the warmth of Eritrean hospitality as you savor every mouthful of Alicha, a dish that epitomizes the soulful connection between food, culture, and community.

Here's a recipe for Eritrean Alicha, a mild stew typically made with chicken, lamb, or beef and flavored with turmeric and other spices:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of chicken, lamb, or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped (optional, adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of water or chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies (if using) to the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.

3- Stir in the ground turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

4- Add the meat pieces to the pot, stirring well to coat them with the spice mixture.

5- Pour in the water or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.

6- Once the meat is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7- Serve the Alicha hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. It pairs well with rice, injera (traditional Eritrean flatbread), or bread.

Enjoy your flavorful Eritrean Alicha!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for ingredients can vary depending on factors such as portion size, preparation method, and specific varieties of ingredients used. However, here are some general nutritional values for the main ingredients typically used in Eritrean Alicha:

Chicken Breast (per 100g, cooked without skin):

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Protein: 31 g
• Fat: 3.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Other nutrients: Rich in vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (including B12), iron, zinc, and selenium, which are vital for overall health and immune function.

Lamb (per 100g, cooked, lean only):

• Calories: 258 kcal
• Protein: 25.6 g
• Fat: 16.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Other nutrients: Contains vitamins B12, niacin, zinc, and iron.

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (including B12), iron, zinc, and selenium, which are vital for overall health and immune function.

Beef (per 100g, cooked, lean only):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 25.8 g
• Fat: 15.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Other nutrients: Rich in iron, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12.

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (including B12), iron, zinc, and selenium, which are vital for overall health and immune function.

Onions (per 100g, raw):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Other nutrients: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and sulfur compounds, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and promote beneficial gut bacteria.

Garlic (per 100g, raw):

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Protein: 6.4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33.1 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g
• Other nutrients: Rich in manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium.

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties known for its antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Tomatoes (per 100g, raw):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Other nutrients: Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene.

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.
• Good source of vitamins C, K, potassium, and folate, important for immune function, bone health, and cell growth.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like cooking method and specific variety of the ingredient. It's always a good idea to refer to specific packaging or use nutritional databases for precise values.