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Easy Spiced Ethiopian Red Lentil Misir Wat Recipe for Beginners

Ethiopian red lentil misir wat - featured image
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A quick and flavorful Ethiopian red lentil stew made with berbere spice blend, perfect for beginners seeking a comforting and mildly spicy dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed well
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix (or substitute with smoked paprika, cayenne, and allspice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
  • 3 cups (720ml) water or vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils under cold running water until clear and drain well.
  2. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger.
  3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in berbere spice mix and ground cumin, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and partially cover.
  6. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft and stew thickens. Add water if too thick.
  7. Season with salt to taste and stir in fresh lemon juice.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired and serve hot with injera, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Toast spices gently to enhance flavor. Keep heat low during simmering to avoid sticking. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired. Substitute smoked paprika and cayenne if berbere is unavailable. Coconut milk can be added near the end for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ethiopian, red lentils, misir wat, berbere, lentil stew, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe, spicy, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-spiced-ethiopian-red-lentil-misir-wat-recipe-for-beginners/