Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce

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

A hearty vegan Ethiopian lentil stew seasoned with berbere spice and simmered in a rich tomato base for deep, layered flavors. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs red lentils, rinsed, red onions, finely chopped, berbere spice blend 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: 15 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 tablespoons vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 2 medium finely chopped red onions and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes until softened and starting to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for 3 minutes until the mixture darkens and becomes aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils to the pot, stirring to coat with the spice mixture. Pour in 3 cups water and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce?

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 Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce?

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 Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce 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 Lentil Misir Wat Simmered in Berbere and Tomato Sauce 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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