Authentic Ethiopian Misir Wot (Spicy Red Lentil Stew) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of red lentils
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely minced
  • 4 tablespoons of berbere spice
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/4 cup of niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter) or regular unsalted butter
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth or water
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, melt the niter kibbeh or butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until they are translucent and start to brown.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the berbere spice, cumin, paprika, and turmeric to the pot and stir well. Cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
  6. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir well to coat them in the spice mixture.
  7. Add the vegetable broth or water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
  9. Check the seasoning and add salt to taste.
  10. Serve the Misir Wot hot with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to cook the lentils and hold all the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A utensil used for stirring the lentils and scraping the bottom of the pot.
  • Chopping board - A flat surface for chopping the onion.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for finely chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the spices.
  • Measuring cups - For measuring the lentils and vegetable broth or water.

Recipe variations

  • Use yellow or green lentils instead of red lentils for a different flavor and texture.
  • Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste to give the Misir Wot a richer and tangier taste.
  • Include chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes for added texture and nutritional value.
  • Add more spices or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a meat version, you can add cubed chicken, beef, or lamb to the stew.
  • Make it vegan by using vegetable oil instead of butter and vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Include a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving for a citrusy twist.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions for added freshness.
  • Serve with flatbread other than injera, such as naan or pita bread.
  • Add a dollop of yogurt or crumbled feta cheese as a topping for added creaminess.

Recipe overview

Misir Wot is a hearty and flavorful Ethiopian red lentil stew. It's loaded with warming spices like berbere, cumin, and paprika, and it's cooked until it's thick and rich. This comforting dish is traditionally served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread, but it also pairs wonderfully with rice. Despite its complexity in flavor, Misir Wot is surprisingly easy to make and only requires a few steps. The lentils need to be rinsed and then sautéed in a pot with a mixture of spices and aromatics. Vegetable broth or water is then added, and the stew is simmered until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well combined. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that will introduce you to the wonders of Ethiopian cuisine. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ethiopian food or just trying it for the first time, you'll find plenty to love in this versatile and delectable stew.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of lentils? Yes, you can use other types of lentils, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Red lentils are traditionally used for Misir Wot.
  2. What is berbere spice and where can I find it? Berbere spice is a flavorful Ethiopian spice blend. You can find it in specialty stores or online. If you can't find it, you can try making your own using a recipe or use a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and other aromatic spices.
  3. Is niter kibbeh necessary for this recipe? Niter kibbeh adds a unique flavor to Misir Wot, but if you can't find it or prefer not to use it, you can use regular unsalted butter as a substitute.
  4. Can I make Misir Wot in advance? Yes, Misir Wot can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and improve over time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
  5. What can I serve with Misir Wot? Misir Wot is traditionally served with injera, which is an Ethiopian sourdough flatbread. If you don't have injera, you can serve it with rice or other bread of your choice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the Misir Wot.
  • Wooden Spoon - Used for stirring the lentils and spices.
  • Knife - For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic and ginger.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the lentils and spices.
  • Measuring Spoons - Needed to measure the berbere spice, cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
  • Spatula - Useful for scraping the pot and ensuring all the spices are well mixed.
  • Ladle - For serving the Misir Wot into bowls or plates.
  • Bowls or Plates - To serve the Misir Wot.
  • Injera or Rice - Accompaniments to enjoy the Misir Wot with.

Origin stories

Misir Wot, a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, is a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage and the clever use of locally available resources. Dating back centuries, this hearty and spicy lentil stew is deeply embedded in Ethiopia's cultural fabric. It reflects the country's agricultural practices, where lentils are one of the primary crops, and the art of spice blending, which is a hallmark of Ethiopian cooking. The use of Berbere, a spice blend that is a culinary signature of the region, and Niter Kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter, imbue the dish with complex flavors and warmth, evoking the spirit of Ethiopia's vibrant markets and community gatherings. Misir Wot is traditionally served with Injera, a sourdough flatbread, another testament to the country's ancient and resilient grain farming. Every spoonful of Misir Wot is a celebration of Ethiopia's enduring culture and the shared experience of communal dining.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.