Ethiopian Whole Chickpeas Mild Stew (Yeshinbera Alicha Fitfit)

This is a yummy side-dish. It looks like soup and served with Injera cut in pieces. I always prepare it when I have a big gathering during Lent time.

Ingredients:

2 cups dried chickpeas
1 cup onion (thinly chopped)
1 cup vegetable or corn oil
6 cloves garlic (diced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (korerima) *
¼ teaspoon turmeric *
1 teaspoon yellow mustard or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger-root juice
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 long hot green peppers, seeded and sliced
6 cups of water
Salt to taste

Preparation:

1st Step: Cook the onion with 2 tablespoons of oil and one cup of water (by gradually adding the water); stir and sauté continuously until it is very soft. Add five cups of water, boil it for five minutes;

2nd Step: Rinse and add the chickpeas, cook it for 15 minutes;

3nd Step: Add oil, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, mustard or ginger; mix it well and cook for 20 minutes or until the chickpeas are soft;

4th Step: Add salt and cardamom powder, remove from heat and add the green sliced pepper.
At room temperature, keep it in the fridge.

5th Step: Cut the Injera in pieces and place them in a serving bowl; pour the chickpeas mild stew and mix it gently. Serve it cold.

Note:
* You will find these spices in Ethiopian or Indian shops/groceries.
-If you prefer the chickpeas in a can, it would take less time to cook but rinse it well.
-You may use dried yellow peas instead of the chickpeas.
-To make the dried chickpeas soft and tender, it would be advisable to soak them for at least a day before cooking.