Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh

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

A rich, slow-cooked Ethiopian lentil stew featuring earthy collard greens and fragrant clarified butter infused with spices called niter kibbeh. This Ethiopian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free option), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs brown lentils, collard greens, chopped, yellow onion, finely chopped 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 45 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water and drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, melt 3 tbsp niter kibbeh over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp berbere spice mix and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release spices' fragrance.
  5. Step 5: Add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3 cups chopped collard greens and 1 tsp salt. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes until lentils are tender and greens wilted.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Step 8: Serve the lentil and collard green wot warm with injera or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh?

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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh?

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 Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh 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 Slow-Simmered Lentil and Collard Green Wot with Niter Kibbeh vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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