Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty red lentils simmered in a fragrant berbere-spiced tomato sauce, a staple vegan Ethiopian dish with bold flavors. This Ethiopian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs red lentils, rinsed, yellow onions, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring continuously for 3 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the color.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 1/2 cups rinsed red lentils and 4 cups water, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes before serving hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew 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 Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew?

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, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew?

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 Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew 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 Ethiopian Misir Wot Spicy Lentil Stew 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.

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