Split Pea and Lentil Misir Wot Stew
A hearty, richly spiced red lentil and split pea stew simmered with berbere and niter kibbeh for deep Ethiopian flavors. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 65 minutes pairs red split lentils, yellow split peas, tablespoons berbere spice mix 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 split lentils
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix
- 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red split lentils and 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until water runs clear.
- Step 2: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh over medium heat until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 10 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix and cook for 2 more minutes to bloom the spices.
- Step 6: Add the rinsed lentils and peas along with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are soft and stew thickens.
- Step 7: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Split Pea and Lentil Misir Wot Stew take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Misir Wot 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 split lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Split Pea and Lentil Misir Wot 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 Split Pea and Lentil Misir Wot 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 Split Pea and Lentil Misir Wot 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.
