Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot)
A hearty and spicy Ethiopian lentil stew simmered with berbere and fragrant aromatics, perfect served over injera or rice. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture darkens and becomes aromatic.
- Step 5: Add the rinsed lentils and 3 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring well and adjusting seasoning to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot) take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot)?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot)?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot) vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
