Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, vegan Ethiopian stew combining red lentils and yellow split peas simmered in berbere-spiced tomato sauce with garlic and onions. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 60 minutes pairs red lentils, yellow split peas, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 45 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils and 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until water runs clear; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add the rinsed lentils and split peas to the pot, stirring to coat them in the spiced mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth or water, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and peas are soft and the stew is thickened.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm, ideally with injera or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere 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 Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere?

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 Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere?

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 Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere 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 Split Pea and Lentil Mesir Wot with Garlic and Berbere 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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