DinnerMain Course

Misir Wot (Spiced Red Lentils)

Name: Misir Wot (Spiced Red Lentils)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: ethiopian
Ingredients: 1.5 cup red lentil rinsed; 1 pcs yellow onion finely chopped; 4 clove garlic minced; 1 tbsp ginger grated; 2 tbsp berbere spice blend; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup water (optional); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

Misir Wot is a flavorful Ethiopian red lentil stew, traditionally made with berbere spice. This vegan version is hearty, comforting, and packed with aromatic spices. It's perfect served with injera or rice for a nutritious meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 55 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 369 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

1.5 cupred lentil, rinsed
1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
4 clovegarlic, minced
1 tbspginger, grated
2 tbspberbere spice blend
1 tbsptomato paste
3 cupvegetable broth
1 cupwater(optional)
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

garnish

0.25 cupfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

wooden spoon · large pot

The method

Step by step

1
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent sticking.
2
Add the yellow onion to the dry pot and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If sticking, add a splash of water.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the onion without oil is a traditional Ethiopian technique that creates a deep flavor base.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
4
Add the berbere spice blend and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the spices; reduce heat if needed.
5
Pour in the vegetable broth and rinsed red lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil.
About 5 min
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little extra water.
7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
About 1 min
8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cook’s note: Misir Wot is traditionally served with injera, but also pairs well with rice or flatbread.

Per serving

Nutrition

72%Score

Calories: 368.5kcal
Protein: 24.2g
Carbs: 64g
Fat: 1.9g
Fibre: 12.4g
Sugar: 5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Misir Wot in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency.