Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia with this delicious Misir Wot, a traditional Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew! Bursting with aromatic spices and rich, earthy flavors, this hearty stew is made with red lentils simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and berbere spice blend—a quintessential Ethiopian spice mixture known for its bold and complex flavors. Each spoonful of this Misir Wot is a comforting blend of tender lentils and warming spices, creating a satisfying and nourishing dish that is perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings. Serve it alongside injera bread, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, or with rice for a complete and wholesome meal that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Ethiopia. Enjoy the exotic flavors and comforting warmth of Misir Wot, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Africa with every bite!
Misir Wot (Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew)
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
-
Stir in the berbere spice blend, paprika, and turmeric, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
-
Add the rinsed red lentils to the saucepan, and stir to coat them in the spice mixture.
-
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomato, and season with salt to taste. Stir to combine.
-
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the Misir Wot simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
-
Once the lentils are cooked through, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Misir Wot sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve the Misir Wot hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy this flavorful Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with injera bread or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
-
Berbere Spice Blend: Berbere is a key ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes like Misir Wot. If you can't find berbere spice blend at your local grocery store, consider making your own blend using a combination of ground spices such as chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, and cloves.
-
Consistency Adjustment: Adjust the consistency of the stew to your liking by adding more or less vegetable broth as needed. For a thicker stew, simmer the lentils uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired thickness.
-
Flavor Development: For optimal flavor development, allow the Misir Wot to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the spices to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic stew. Additionally, Misir Wot tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and deepen over time, making it a perfect dish for meal prep and leftovers.
