A deeply spiced Ethiopian red lentil stew flavored with berbere, onion and aromatics.
The Story Behind Ethiopian Misir Wot
Misir wot is an Ethiopian lentil stew known for its deep red color, warming spice and thick texture. Red lentils break down as they cook, creating a rich sauce without the need for dairy or flour.
The dish is flavored with berbere, Ethiopia's famous chile-and-spice blend. Berbere recipes differ between households and spice sellers, but they commonly combine dried chile with aromatic spices.
Origins and Culinary Context
Onion is another crucial ingredient. It is cooked slowly to develop sweetness and body before the spices and lentils are added.
Why This Dish Matters
Some versions use niter kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter, while fasting versions use oil. This recipe uses oil and is therefore vegan.
Regional Variations and Modern Cooking
Misir wot is often served as part of a larger Ethiopian meal on injera, where several stews and vegetables are eaten together. Its plant-based character also makes it important during religious fasting periods.
Cook the onions slowly until soft and lightly browned
3
Add garlic and ginger
4
Stir in berbere and cook briefly
5
Add lentils and water
6
Simmer until the lentils are very soft
7
Stir regularly to prevent sticking
8
Season and serve hot
Ingredients
300gRed Lentils
2Onions
3clovesGarlic
20gFresh Ginger
30gBerbere Spice
30mlOil
700mlWater
1tspSalt
Directions
1
Rinse the lentils thoroughly
2
Cook the onions slowly until soft and lightly browned
3
Add garlic and ginger
4
Stir in berbere and cook briefly
5
Add lentils and water
6
Simmer until the lentils are very soft
7
Stir regularly to prevent sticking
8
Season and serve hot
Notes
The Story Behind Ethiopian Misir Wot
Misir wot is an Ethiopian lentil stew known for its deep red color, warming spice and thick texture. Red lentils break down as they cook, creating a rich sauce without the need for dairy or flour.
The dish is flavored with berbere, Ethiopia's famous chile-and-spice blend. Berbere recipes differ between households and spice sellers, but they commonly combine dried chile with aromatic spices.
Origins and Culinary Context
Onion is another crucial ingredient. It is cooked slowly to develop sweetness and body before the spices and lentils are added.
Why This Dish Matters
Some versions use niter kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter, while fasting versions use oil. This recipe uses oil and is therefore vegan.
Regional Variations and Modern Cooking
Misir wot is often served as part of a larger Ethiopian meal on injera, where several stews and vegetables are eaten together. Its plant-based character also makes it important during religious fasting periods.
