Spiced Lentil Misir Wot
A thick and fragrant Ethiopian lentil stew cooked with berbere spice and clarified butter, perfect for pairing with injera or rice. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, berbere spice blend, yellow onion 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
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 3 tbsp niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp grated ginger root
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 7 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger root, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the spice flavors.
- Step 5: Add the rinsed lentils and 3 cups water to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft and stew is thickened.
- Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt, stirring well. Serve hot alongside injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lentil 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 Spiced Lentil 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 Spiced Lentil 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 Spiced Lentil 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 Spiced Lentil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The lentils were cooked to perfection and the spices were aromatic. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely delicious! My whole family loved it, and it's so easy to make.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold day, the spices were spot on.
