Print

Cozy Misir Wot Red Lentil Stew Recipe with Spicy Berbere Blend Made Easy

misir wot red lentil stew - featured image
Print Recipe

A flavorful and comforting Ethiopian-inspired red lentil stew with a spicy berbere blend, perfect for cozy nights and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups (24 fl oz) vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 large yellow onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, and grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger (5–7 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering (1–2 minutes).
  3. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of berbere spice blend over the aromatics and stir well to coat.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring until it darkens slightly and blends evenly, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add rinsed red lentils and pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth or water, stirring to combine.
  8. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft and stew thickens.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add more broth or water if stew is too thick.
  10. Just before serving, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the stew.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Toast berbere spice lightly in oil with aromatics to release full flavor. Rinse lentils well to avoid bitterness. Stir every 5–7 minutes during simmering to prevent sticking. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. For creamier stew, stir in ½ cup canned coconut milk during last 10 minutes. Adjust heat by reducing berbere and adding smoked paprika for milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Misir Wot, Red Lentil Stew, Berbere, Ethiopian Stew, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Spicy Lentil Soup, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-misir-wot-red-lentil-stew-recipe-with-spicy-berbere-blend-made-easy/