Spiced Misir Wat Red Lentil Stew
A hearty vegan Ethiopian stew of red lentils simmered with berbere spices and fragrant aromatics. This ethiopian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, large onion, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and darkens.
- Step 4: Add rinsed red lentils and 4 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender and stew is thick.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Misir Wat Red 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 Spiced 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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.
