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Flavorful Ethiopian Misir Wot Recipe Easy Red Lentil Stew with Injera

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A deeply comforting and vibrant Ethiopian red lentil stew seasoned with berbere spices, served traditionally with injera flatbread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) red lentils
  • 2 medium yellow or brown onions, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Injera (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear and drain thoroughly.
  2. Heat olive oil or niter kibbeh in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  3. Add finely chopped onions and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until golden and soft.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Sprinkle in berbere spice blend and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to release aroma.
  6. Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to mellow acidity and deepen flavor.
  7. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth or water, stirring to combine.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft and stew thickens.
  9. Season with salt to taste and add fresh lemon juice if desired.
  10. Warm injera in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth to make pliable.
  11. Serve the warm Misir Wot on injera, tearing pieces of injera to scoop the stew.

Notes

Toast the berbere spice briefly to unlock full aroma. Do not rush caramelizing onions for best flavor. Add water or broth if stew becomes too thick. Adjust spice level by varying berbere amount. Injera can be substituted with gluten-free flatbreads or rice. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ethiopian, Misir Wot, red lentil stew, berbere spice, injera, vegan, gluten-free option, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/flavorful-ethiopian-misir-wot-recipe-easy-red-lentil-stew-with-injera-tutorial/