Misir Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

Misir Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

6 servings
One of Ethiopia's most popular vegetarian dishes, you'll be blown away by the incredible flavor!

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons niter kibbeh

    , divided

  • Homemade Niter Kibbeh)

    (strongly recommended

  • 1 large yellow onion

    very finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic

    finely minced

  • 1 Roma tomato

    very finely chopped

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons bebere

    , divided

  • Homemade Berbere)

    (strongly recommended

  • 1 cup red lentils

    rinsed

  • 2 1/2 cups Aneto All-Natural Chicken Broth
  • vegetarians: use Aneto Vegetable Broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt 3 tablespoons of the niter kibbeh in a medium stock pot.  Add the onions and cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.  

  2. 2

    Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of the berbere and cook for 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent burning.

  3. 3

    Add the lentils, broth and salt, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover and simmer the lentils, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes (adding more broth if needed) or until the lentils are soft.

  4. 4

    Stir in the remaining tablespoon of niter kibbeh and berbere. Simmer for a couple more minutes. Add salt to taste.

  5. 5

    Serve with Ethiopian injera. 

Misir Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

Misir Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

5.0(89)65 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 89 ratings

daringgourmet.com
5.0(89 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a truly flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish that will transport your taste buds? Misir Wat, Ethiopia's beloved spiced red lentils, delivers an incredible depth of flavor that's both comforting and exotic.

This Misir Wat recipe works its magic through two essential Ethiopian pillars: niter kibbeh and berbere. These unique, aromatic ingredients elevate simple red lentils into a rich, savory experience unlike any other. You'll discover how these foundational elements create a complex, spiced base that makes this dish truly special.

Expect a deeply aromatic and incredibly savory stew, with tender red lentils that almost melt in your mouth. The intricate spice blend of the berbere, mellowed by the clarified butter notes of niter kibbeh, provides a comforting warmth that lingers pleasantly. This popular Ethiopian dish is hearty enough to be a main course but also serves beautifully as a flavorful side, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of East Africa.

To make this Misir Wat truly vegetarian, ensure you use Aneto Vegetable Broth instead of chicken broth. For the most authentic and intensely flavorful results, we strongly recommend making your own homemade niter kibbeh and homemade berbere, as the quality of these ingredients profoundly impacts the final dish. You can also adjust the amount of berbere to suit your preferred spice level.

Misir Wat is a fantastic dish for weeknight dinners or for serving guests who appreciate bold flavors. It’s traditionally enjoyed with injera, but it’s equally delicious served alongside rice or other grain.

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