Ethiopian Miser Wot (Red Lentil Stew)

A vibrant and comforting Ethiopian red lentil stew, rich with aromatic spices like berbere and garlic. This naturally vegan dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect served with injera or rice.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Servings: 4
EthiopianVegetarianVeganPescatarianDairy-FreeGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeSugar-Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup Red lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 medium Red onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 tbsp Berbere spice blend (or more, to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 4 cup Vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper (to taste)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

    Time: 2 min
  2. 2.

    Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently.

    Time: 7 min
  3. 3.

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

    Time: 2 min
  4. 4.

    Stir in the berbere spice blend and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.

    Time: 3 min
  5. 5.

    Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth (or water) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

    Time: 5 min
  6. 6.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

    Time: 20 min
  7. 7.

    Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Time: 1 min
  8. 8.

    Ladle the Miser Wot into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve hot with injera, rice, or flatbread.

    Time: 1 min

Tips

  • 💡Authentic Miser Wot often uses Niter Kibbeh (spiced clarified butter), but vegetable oil keeps it vegan. For a richer flavor, you can use a vegan butter substitute.
  • 💡Berbere spice blend is key to Ethiopian cuisine. Its flavor varies by brand, so adjust the amount to your spice preference.
  • 💡Miser Wot thickens as it cools. If you have leftovers, you might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Ruth H