Tangy Ethiopian Misir Wot

Name: Tangy Ethiopian Misir Wot
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons Berbere spice mix; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Juice of 1 lemon

Spicy Lentil Stew

A rich, aromatic lentil stew made with the signature Ethiopian spice blend, Berbere, perfect for a hearty meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Stew Base

1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Spices & Seasoning

2 tablespoons Berbere spice mix

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Liquids & Acid

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

Marinating the Lentils

Rinse Lentils

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

Combine with Lemon Juice

In a bowl, combine the lentils with lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes.

Drain Lentils

Drain and set aside for cooking.

Important: Be careful when handling Berbere—it’s potent and can irritate your hands and eyes.; Pro Tip: Prepare all ingredients before beginning to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Combine Spices

In a small bowl, combine Berbere spice mix, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.

Mix Well

Mix well to incorporate all the spices.

Set Aside

Set aside for use during the cooking process.

Cooking Process

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Timing: 5-7 minutes; Heat: Medium heat

Add Spices

Stir in the spice mix, allowing the aromas to develop, approximately 1 minute.

Simmer the Lentils

Add the tomato paste and the marinated lentils, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender, about 40 minutes.

Timing: 40 minutes; Heat: Low heat

Plating & Serving