Misir Wat Lentils
Misir Wat is a hearty Ethiopian lentil ste stew that's rich in flavor and packed with nutrition. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's both satisfying and easy to make.
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water and set aside.
- 2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Add 2 tablespoons of berbere spice to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic for about 1 minute.
- 5
Incorporate the rinsed lentils, followed by 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- 6
Simmer the lentils for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender and the stew thickens. If the stew becomes too thick, you can add more vegetable broth as needed.
- 7
Once cooked, stir in the juice of 1 lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with 2 sliced green onions and a sprinkle of 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
Cook notes
Tips
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the berbere spice.
Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving; the flavors will meld beautifully.
Serve with warm injera or rice for a complete meal.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen.
- This dish freezes well; portion into containers for up to 3 months.
Substitutions
- If you don't have berbere spice, you can make a quick substitute with paprika, cumin, and a dash of cayenne.
- Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Olive oil can be swapped with any vegetable oil you have on hand.
What to Serve With
- Warm injera
- Steamed rice
- Sauteed greens with garlic
Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing lentils thoroughly, which can lead to a gritty texture.
- Cooking lentils too long, resulting in mushy stew.
- Adding too much salt at the beginning; always taste at the end.
Recipe FAQ
What is Misir Wat?
Misir Wat is a traditional Ethiopian lentil stew flavored with spices, commonly served with injera.
How can I make Misir Wat spicier?
You can add extra berbere spice or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes, you can substitute with red or green lentils, but cooking times may vary.
Kitchen tools
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Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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