Description
Misir Wat is a comforting Ethiopian red lentil stew simmered with onions, tomato paste, and warm spices until thick, rich, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the vegetable oil and chopped onion, then cook slowly until the onion is soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic, berbere spice blend, paprika, and cumin, cooking briefly until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat the onions and spices.
- Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth or water, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and thick.
- Season with salt and adjust consistency with a little water if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- The stew thickens as it cools, so add liquid gradually when reheating.
- Adjust the amount of berbere to control spice level.
- Flavors deepen even more after resting for a few hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: misir wat, ethiopian lentil stew, red lentil stew, vegan ethiopian food, spiced lentils