Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red Lentil Stew

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

Hearty and aromatic red lentil stew cooked quickly in the Instant Pot with Ethiopian spices and fresh vegetables. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs red lentils, rinsed, yellow onion, chopped, carrots, diced 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh or olive oil. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups rinsed red lentils, 2 diced medium carrots, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cancel sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
  6. Step 6: After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Step 7: Open the lid and stir the stew gently. If too thick, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red 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 Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red 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 Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red 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 Instant Pot Vegan Misir Wat Red 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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