Misir Wot | Ethiopian Red Lentils Stew is a flavored stew infused with garlic, ginger, onions, and berbere. If you don’t have Berbere, you can add the other spices which are listed below. There are a variety of vegetarian or vegan options in Ethiopian cuisine. Serve with Injera and for vegetable side use Tikil gomen. You can serve the protein-rich stew with plain quinoa or rice or as a soup.
Misir wot is mostly prepared with Ethiopian spiced clarified butter called ‘niter kibbeh’. Since we are making a vegan version I have used coconut oil.
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Food for the thought
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
-Mother Teresa
Benefits of the ingredients (source)
Red lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Video for Misir Wot | Ethiopian Red Lentils Stew
Steps for preparing vegan Misir wot
- Firstly, wash and soak red lentils until you cook the spices.
- On an Instant pot or stockpot, add coconut oil and fry garlic, ginger, onion, and tomatoes.
- Mix berbere seasoning mix and salt. After that, add water and allow it to pressure cook in an Instant pot or cook lentils until soft on a stovetop for 35-45 minutes.
- Serve with Injera.
Variations
Berbere powder: Use a combination of red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder.
Coconut oil: Add clarified butter or flavor-infused clarified butter.
Ethiopian recipe
Tikil gomen | Ethiopian cabbage
Berbere | Ethiopian spice blend
Questions/Tips
What lentils should I use to prepare misir wot?
Traditionally, the red lentils are used to prepare Misir wot, also called Massor dal in India. If you are having difficulty finding it, you can try it with other lentils too.
Should I soak the lentils?
Not necessary. After rinsing allow it to soak until you fry the spices. The red lentils cook quickly.
Can I cook lentils in stove top?
Yes, you can cook lentils on a stovetop. It takes a little longer than Instant pot. Cooking lentils on a stovetop takes 35-45 minutes. Importantly, a pressure cooker/Instant pot makes it a breeze to cook any lentils.
What are the spices used in preparing lentils?
Usually, it is simmered with spices like onion, garlic, ginger, and berbere(Ethiopian spice blend) in flavor-infused butter. I used coconut oil for a vegan version.
What if I don’t have berbere for making Ethiopian lentils?
If you don’t have Berbere powder, You can use red chili powder, paprika, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder. For instance, 1 tbsp of berbere powder can be substituted with
Red chilly powder- 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Parika – 1/2 tsp
Cumin Powder – 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
If you want it more flavorful add one crushed cardamom. I have personally tried lentils with all these combinations. I love the substitute of berbere powder without cardamom.
Meal prep for Misir wot | Ethiopian red lentils stew
Prepare your lentils and allow them to cool completely. To freeze, store lentils in freezer-friendly packs, glass, or BPA-safe plastic containers.
To pack your lunch or serve defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Heat in a stovetop or microwave until warm.
However, if not freezing, refrigerate and use within 3 days.
Recipe card for Vegan Misir wot
Misir Wot | Ethiopian Red Lentils Stew
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1.5 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp garlic chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 1.5 tbsp Berbere powder
- 1 cup water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash red lentils and soak till we are ready to use.
- In an Instant pot or stock pot, add coconut oil. Add garlic, ginger, and onions and fry until onions are transclucent.
- Add tomatoes and fry till they are mushy. Furthermore, add berbere and salt to atste.
- Transfer the soaked entils without water. Add water and check for salt.
- Close the lid and set to pressure cook mode on high for 10 minutes or cook the lentils until soft on stove top for 35-45 minutes.